Maintenance and Overhaul at Sabena: An Account by the Technical Editor of the Systems and Methods of the Belgian State Air Line Observed during a Recent Visit to Melsbroek and Haren Aerodromes

Abstract

The basic organization of maintenance and overhaul is examined, with some notes about the aircraft in use, the Convair 240 and the Douglas DC‐3, DC‐4 and DC‐6, and the reasons for the maintenance on each type being carried out differently. Owing to the operating conditions of Sabena, with both long‐range routes and short‐range networks in Europe and the Congo, organization of maintenance presents special problems. The routine inspections on the DC‐3, Convair and DC‐6 are described separately in order to present a picture of the line maintenance of the Company. The DC‐3 is maintained on a 125/500/1,000 hour cycle, with a special major inspection at 3,000 hours; the Convair has a similar progressive scheme; while the DC‐6 is serviced on an alternating 75/150 hour cycle, plus certain progressive items, to a major inspection at 2,400 hours. Airframe overhaul—carried out on all types despite the progressive maintenance schedule for the Convair—occurs at about 10,000 hours. The power plant (or ‘quick‐change’) work, engine overhaul and accessory maintenance is described, but radio, radar and instrument inspection and repair are not covered.

Citation

(1951), "Maintenance and Overhaul at Sabena: An Account by the Technical Editor of the Systems and Methods of the Belgian State Air Line Observed during a Recent Visit to Melsbroek and Haren Aerodromes", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 163-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb032044