An ATSB report released today shows that the average age of many
aircraft in Australia is increasing but that this should not reduce
safety if quality maintenance systems are in place.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report found that
the average age of Australia's turbofan aircraft used in regular
passenger transport (RPT) is very low. The fleet of aircraft in the
50,000 kg to 100,000 kg category had an average age of just 6 years
by the end of 2005. That was 2 years lower than the average age of
this fleet in 1995.
The expansion of Qantas, and the introduction of new aircraft by
Jetstar and Virgin Blue has lowered the average age of these
aircraft. Aircraft in this category include the Boeing 737 and
Airbus A320, typically used in Australian domestic passenger
operations, and on some international routes.
The fleet of larger turbofan aircraft (those above 100,000 kg,
including the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A330) have an average age
of 11 years. This is still relatively low, and consequently, there
would be few signs of maintenance problems related to aircraft age
in these aircraft.
The ATSB report also examined the age trend for turboprop
aircraft, mostly used in low capacity airline services. Examples of
turboprop aircraft operated in Australia include the Raytheon King
Air and the Fairchild Metroliner series of aircraft. The turboprop
fleet had an average age of 18 years by the end of 2005, which was
2 years older than was the case in 1995. With few new aircraft
being manufactured in this category, additional and specific
maintenance will be the key strategy to ensure these aircraft meet
the necessary airworthiness standards for passenger operations.
The oldest aircraft in Australia are those powered by piston
engines. These aircraft, ranging from the small single engine
aircraft used at flying schools and in private operations (such as
the Cessna 172), to the twin engine aircraft (for example, the
Piper Navajo and the Cessna 400 series) used in charter and some
low capacity operations, are on average around 30 years old.
The situation affecting piston-engine aircraft is not a
challenge just for Australia. Manufacturing output of these
aircraft is only a fraction of the production levels seen in the
late 1970s, and some popular twin-engine types ceased production
altogether in the mid 1980s.
The ATSB report on aircraft age makes clear that chronological
age is not the sole determinant in assessing aircraft age. Flight
cycles and maintenance regimes are important factors that influence
airworthiness.
Managing the consequences of an ageing aircraft population
requires cooperative approaches by operators, manufacturers and
national regulators to ensure that any defects identified by one
operator are notified quickly and efficiently within the industry.
If quality maintenance systems are in place, ageing aircraft need
not lead to reduced safety.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the internet site at
www.atsb.gov.au