Flybe standardises on access platforms

Citation

(2008), "Flybe standardises on access platforms", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780aad.006

Flybe standardises on access platforms

Flybe standardises on access platforms

Flybe Aviation Services, a provider of regional aircraft engineering services, has standardised on Alto maintenance access platforms at the Flybe Walker Hangar, situated at Exeter International Airport. As part of a series of contracts valued at around £1million, Alto Tower Systems has supplied a complete bespoke solution including tail dock, fuselage and under-wing platforms along with access stairs, racks and benches (Figure 2).

Alto worked in partnership with Flybe Aviation Services, an approved EASA Part 145 maintenance organisation, to develop a bespoke maintenance solution for use during overnight checks, routine inspections and full defect rectifications around the clock.

Figure 2 Alto Tower Systems has supplied a complete bespoke solution including tail dock, fuselage and under-wing platforms along with access stairs, racks and benches

The access platforms have been designed for the current fleet of BAe146/RJ, DHC-8 200/300/400 and ATR 42/72 aircraft with ongoing design for Flybe's new fleet of Embraer 195s. They also enable Flybe to meet all the requirements of the latest “working at height” directives.

All Alto access platforms have aluminium structures and decking reportedly making them considerably lighter and easier to use than traditional systems. They can be stored outside when not in use as they do not rust and can be quickly and easily moved. Each set has soft edged buffers to avoid aircraft damage. The platforms are also colour coded according to the aircraft for which they have been designed. This enables staff to quickly deploy the correct system when required. The Alto system has also helped reduce costs by eliminating the need to hire in specialist scissor lifts and cherry pickers.

According to John Tenner, Maintenance Director for Flybe Aviation Services: “The Alto solution has been designed from the ground up to meet our specific requirements and is delivering significant improvements in productivity and higher levels of safety for our highly skilled workforce. It has improved the efficiency of the maintenance operation and helped to reduce critical turnaround times.”

Details available from: Alto Tower Systems Ltd, Tel: +44 (0)1527 596644, Fax: +44 (0)1527 597444.