When do you need Boeing Tooling? And who needs it?
Line maintenance, base maintenance, aircraft modifications or AOG situations not only need ground support equipment, such as tripod-jacks or axle-jacks, but they also require special tools tailored to each aircraft model. Whether you are an MRO shop or an airline that does their own aircraft maintenance, every time a new aircraft model enters service, you have to equip your hangars with the appropriate tools. All repair operations need to meet stringent FAA criteria - Part 145 approval – to ensure that they handle, operate and maintain aircraft appropriately. What matters most is that you have all the right tools - which in the case of the new 777-9 for example is over 300 Boeing designed tools needed just for Entry Into Service (EIS) - available and ready to use. And this is only the special (SPL) tools; another 516 commercial (COM) tools are also needed.
Tool purchasing 9 to 12 months before Entry Into Service
Before taking delivery of a new airplane model, an airline operator should select and procure the tooling required for airplane maintenance and operation. The airline should begin tool selection and procurement 9 to 12 months before initial airplane delivery to ensure tools are available before the new airplane arrives.
Maintenance tools are used either for on-airframe maintenance or for component maintenance. Airframe maintenance tools are used for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks. These tasks are done during airplane servicing, airplane turnaround, line-station maintenance, hangar maintenance and heavy maintenance. The tools are also used to remove and install airplane assemblies, engines, components such as landing gear, flight control surfaces and auxiliary power units. Some tools are used to test various airplane systems, such as the electrical, avionics, oxygen and fire-suppression systems. Yet more tools are used for employee safety and protection of the airplane or its systems during maintenance.
How many tools do you need?
The type and level of on-airplane maintenance to be performed on the new airplane directly affects the type and quantity of tools selected. Higher levels of maintenance require more tools. For example, an airline that performs only airplane turnarounds will require fewer tools than an airline that performs letter checks, such as C-checks, or heavy maintenance.
If an operator plans to have the capability to perform unscheduled maintenance (e.g., unscheduled change of engines, removal of damaged control surfaces, removal of landing gear), then additional equipment, such as maintenance work platforms, will be required to access all the different areas around the airplane.
What to consider when buying tooling?
It is important to be selective when choosing a tooling supplier. Many OEMs search carefully for suppliers that are capable of manufacturing tooling to the precise requirements needed to make tools that will work seamlessly on maintenance tasks. These selected suppliers are licensed with the OEM to manufacture tools for that OEM’s airframes. For Boeing Tooling, it is important to choose a Boeing Licensee. An unlicensed supplier is called a “Grey Market” supplier, who is using non-OEM-approved data for tools production. These “Grey Market” tools are not validated and not controlled by the OEM to support the maintenance of an aircraft. The use of non-licensed tooling can lead to damage to personnel and aircraft, and can lead to limited support by the OEM.
Another important item to consider is the customer support for tooling. If a tool breaks the licensee should have a global support network to service the tool, or provide a suitable replacement, wherever the customer needs it. The after care in life service of tooling is essential.
Lastly, it is important to select a licensee that has a long-standing experience in airframe tooling, as well as expertise in manufacturing tools. The more experience they have, the better they are suited to support the stringent technical requirements associated with aircraft maintenance.
How can I tell if my vendor is a Boeing tooling licensee?
Ask the vendor whether they have a license for Boeing tooling. You'll also find HYDRO listed as a recommended supplier in all Boeing TEMs (Illustrated Tool and Equipment Manuals). HYDRO is a licensee for all Boeing aircraft platforms.
HYDRO is a leading global Boeing-approved tooling supplier guaranteed to help you maintain & protect your most valuable assets: people and aircraft. We are trusted by MROs and airlines globally.
Interested in Boeing Tools?
HYDRO has the highest quality Boeing tools available at the best value. The tools are mainly produced locally in the USA and many are available on stock and ready for immediate shipment. We offer global customer support with our 12 service-centers at every aviation hub worldwide.
Contact your Area Sales Manager today to discuss your requirements!