OEM parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems
Aircraft hydraulic systems are among the most critical operational infrastructures in both commercial and military aircraft. These systems are responsible
for providing the necessary power to operate the landing gear , flight control surfaces , brakes , and many other essential functions . Operating under
extremely high pressures and diverse flight conditions , even a minor fault in the system can have serious consequences for the safety of the aircraft.
For this reason, using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts — those produced by the original equipment makers — holds particular importance
when repairing aircraft hydraulic systems.
Why Are OEM Parts Critical for Hydraulic Systems?
Guaranteed Quality and Precise Tolerances
Hydraulic components must operate without any leakage or performance deviation under pressures that can exceed 3000 psi . OEM manufacturers
produce these parts with extremely precise tolerances based on designs approved by the aircraft manufacturer. Therefore , when a valve , pump , or
accumulator is replaced with an original part, one can be assured that it will perform exactly as designed and in harmony with the rest of the system.
Compatibility with Specific Fluids
Aircraft hydraulic systems typically use specialized fluids like Skydrol or HyJet,which have unique chemical and corrosive properties.Only OEM parts are
made from materials and seals that are fully compatible with these fluids. Otherwise,there is a higher risk of swelling,cracking,or corrosion of the parts
, which can lead to dangerous leaks.
High Durability and Long Service Life
OEM hydraulic parts undergo extensive long-term cycle testing before entering the market. These tests include repeated actuations, pressure testing at
various temperatures, and vibration tests that simulate real flight conditions. As a result, their service life is significantly longer than many non-original
alternatives.
Risks of Using Non-OEM Parts in Hy draulic Systems
Although some repair facilities may be tempted to use non-OEM parts or unapproved equivalents to reduce costs, this decision can potentially
lead to serious problems:
Increased Failure Rate
Non-original parts are often made from alloys or elastomers that do not meet aviation standards, which leads to faster wear or premature leakage.
Using OEM parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems ensures materials meet strict aviation standards, reducing the risk of early failures.
Reduced Flight Safety
Hydraulic systems play a direct role in critical operations such as landing gear deployment and flight control. Any fault in these components can
endanger aircraft safety. Relying on OEM parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems provides engineers with confidence that the components function
exactly as designed, maintaining high safety standards.
Complications in Airworthiness Certification
Using unapproved parts in the repair of vital systems can create issues during audits by aviation authorities (CAA, EASA, FAA), and may even result in
grounding the aircraft. Repairs conducted with OEM parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems simplify certification processes and demonstrate full
compliance with regulatory requirements.
Hidden Costs
Recurrent failures and repeated repairs eventually impose much higher costs on airlines than the short-term savings initially achieved. Choosing OEM
parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems minimizes recurrent maintenance costs and ensures long-term reliability.
Key Advantages of Using OEM Parts in Hydraulic Repairs
Full Compatibility with Original Design
OEM parts are manufactured exactly according to the engineering drawings and specifications approved by the aircraft manufacturer. This ensures no
change in operating pressure, fluid volume, response time, or other critical parameters. Using OEM parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems guarantees
full compatibility.
Easy Traceability and Documentation
Each OEM part has a serial number and traceability record showing when and by whom it was manufactured. This greatly simplifies inspections and safety
audits, and using OEM parts for repairing aircraft hydraulic systems ensures documentation is complete and reliable.
Support for Warranty and Manufacturer Updates
Many aircraft and hydraulic system manufacturers only offer warranties or technical updates when repairs are done using OEM parts for repairing aircraft
hydraulic systems, providing long-term support and peace of mind.
Reduced Risk of Aircraft Grounding
Repairing hydraulic systems with original parts minimizes the chance of repeated failure and Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations . This is especially
crucial for commercial airlines, where every hour of downtime can result in millions in losses.
Conclusion
Hydraulic systems are the lifelines of an aircraft,and even the slightest malfunction can have severe consequences.Using OEM parts in the maintenance
and repair of these systems is not merely a technical quality measure—it is a safety, regulatory, and economic necessity . Airlines and professional MRO
centers around the world follow this principle, not only to ensure flight safety and protect their brand reputation but also to significantly reduce
operational costs and unplanned downtime.
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