Maintenance Tips For Your Aircraft Ground Power Unit

By Matthew West


An aircraft will not work and fly if not powered. This is where an aircraft ground power unit comes in. It supplies power to an aircraft when on ground and is also the ones who start the engines. This machine is vital as it is a part of the ground support equipment which is why you need to inspect it every now and then.

Proper maintenance is the key. When not maintain properly, results can be dangerous and expensive, which is something you do not want to happen. In a maintenance plan, tests, visual inspections, and calibration should be present. Next to that must be the tips in performing the upkeep of your GPUs.

Lets start with the basic. Remember that the GPU power needs to be turned off before anyone does an inspection to it or perhaps use it. When powered is supposed to be turned in an inspection or as a troubleshooting step, make a point that another person would be there with you that know how to shut this thing down.

Inspect if the electrolyte levels of the batteries are ion the appropriate level. All your cables and terminals are not only cleaned by tightly installed as well. Engine mounts and isolators are free from breaking and bending. No signs of oil spill from the motor.

Cooling system. For the cooling system, check its radiator cap first. This should be calibrated well in the right pressure which is found on the manufacturer guideline. Do an inspection to the rubber seal if there are any cracks visible or you see other signs of damages, replaced it with another.

The fins of the radiator should always be clean and straight. When you see some green stains on the fin, it means to say that there is a leak going on. In such situation, perform a pressure test right away. Be sure that coolant level on the other hand is a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is evenly measured.

Inspect if the cooling hoses are tightened properly and no leaks are present. To keep the cooling efficient, a pressure wash is the answer. When it comes to the battery, the electrolyte level is what you need to look out for. Cables and terminals are supposedly clean and secure. Clamps on the other hand is tightened.

Engine of the GPU. Oil leaks is what you keep an eye out for. Inspect the connections, wirings, and sensors if bald spots are starting to come out. Isolators are not experiencing any cracking sound and distortion. For the wheels, always make sure that they are clean and inspected. Tires have correct inflation and no sign of uneven wear. If it has, check toe settings as well as the alignment.

The last thing you would need to check is the break, safe operation and correct adjustment. For your tow bars, it must be able to latch the lock in place and not bend over from side to side not much. When you find yourself having a hard time in doing this all by yourself, you might wanna hire somebody do to the work for you.




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