Old planes and new -A380 OQA completes C check and a 743 returns to the air

[markis10]

Qantas source are reporting the first c check is done and also the former VH_EBV is back in active service for Sayegh Airlines.

 

[docjames]

Qantas source are reporting the first c check is done and also the former VH_EBV is back in active service for Sayegh Airlines.

Al Sayegh to launch $100m airline

Had to google (well, I Bing'd actually) Sayegh airlines.

Based in Sharjah apparently.

Wonder how much longer until OQB and OQC require C check?

 

[samh004]

and also the former VH_EBV is back in active service for Sayegh Airlines.

So they sold it to them, or are leasing it?

Interestingly, an airline of a similar name is listed as a failed project on Airline Update. Accurate site? Nothing noted in the UAE yet.

 

[markis10]

So they sold it to them, or are leasing it?

Interestingly, an airline of a similar name is listed as a failed project on Airline Update. Accurate site? Nothing noted in the UAE yet.

I would say they sold it, you would be mad to lease a 25 year old aircraft IMHO, although I notice the new owner is a US Bank, they have always had an interesting definition of an asset:

Airframe Info

Manufacturer:Boeing Model:747-338
Year built:1985
Construction Number (C/N):23224
Number of Seats:Unknown
Number of Engines:4
Engine Manufacturer and Model:Rolls Royce Ltd RB211-524 D4 Also Registered As:VH-EBV N6005C


http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/add_aircraft_step2.php?afid=496430 Owner
Registration Type:Corporation Owner:Bank Of Utah Trustee
Address:Salt Lake City, UT 84111
United States Region:Northwest Mountain

I am surprised they did not go for a 400 which has just been retired, VH-OJR

 

[docjames]

I am surprised they did not go for a 400 which has just been retired, VH-OJR

The -300 was probably significantly cheaper (it's been parked a while as well).

 

[markis10]

The -300 was probably significantly cheaper (it's been parked a while as well).

To acquire yes, to operate, probably not, hence my surprise.

 

[docjames]

To acquire yes, to operate, probably not, hence my surprise.

True, although there would be depreciation differences, on top of running ocsts/ Maintenance would favour the 744 presumably.

However, is the benefit of the 744 vs 743 somewhat less if they are doing short-medium haul routes ex-Sharjah into EU/Asia? eg. The trip cost say SYD-PER vv would be similar I would have thought. Similarly, given it's a charter airline, presumably it will spend time parked on the ground.

I guess the purchase price offset the running costs in their eyes at least.

 

[Flying Fox]

How extensive / what is done during a C check?

 

[docjames]

How extensive / what is done during a C check?

Each manufacturer has a defined list of tasks that must be completed and signed off.

This may help (pg1of4):
What's This 'A' Check, 'C' Check Stuff? - April 2000 Issue - (Aircraft Maintenance Technology)

Heavy checks
The following two checks are traditionally known as heavy checks. They are normally accomplished at the main maintenance base of the airline where specialized manpower, materials, tooling, and hangar facilities are available.
'C' check: This is an extensive check of individual systems and components for serviceability and function. It requires a thorough visual inspection of specified areas, components and systems as well as operational or functional checks. It is a high-level check that involves extensive tooling, test equipment, and special skill levels. 'C' checks remove the airplane from the revenue schedule for 3 to 5 days. The 'C' check includes the lower checks, i.e. 'A,' 'B,' and Daily checks.
Examples of 'C' check items:
• Visually check flight compartment escape ropes for condition and security
• Check operation of DC bus tie control unit
• Visually check the condition of entry door seals
• Operationally check flap asymmetry system
• Pressure decay check APU fuel line shroud
• Inspect engine inlet TAI ducting for cracks
• Operationally check RAT deployment and system 'D' check: This can also be referred to as the Structural check. It includes detailed visual and other non-destructive test inspections of the aircraft structure. It is an intense inspection of the structure for evidence of corrosion, structural deformation, cracking, and other signs of deterioration or distress and involves extensive disassembly to gain access for inspection. Special equipment and techniques are used. Structural checks are man-hour and calendar-time intensive. The 'D' check includes the lower checks, i.e. 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and Daily checks. This check removes the airplane from service for 20 or more days. Examples of 'D' check items include:
• Inspect stabilizer attach bolts
• Inspect floor beams
• Detailed inspection of wing box structure
Variations
There are variations of block maintenance. One of those variations is called a phase check — don't be confused by the variety of names. The number of scheduled maintenance tasks for a large airplane like the 747 are extensive, and this is particularly true for the higher 'C' and 'D' checks. Their accomplishment can remove the airplane from service for several weeks. This is considered unacceptable as it defeats the concept of removing the airplane from service in small, manageable blocks. One solution is to divide these higher checks into segmented blocks or phases.

 

[samh004]

How extensive / what is done during a C check?

Aircraft maintenance checks - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This Airliners thread has some good comments and pics in it, and ultimately links to this (which is as above, as I have been beaten to the punch):

A Plane Arriving - Ready For Its C-Check... — Tech Ops Forum | Airliners.net

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

Nancy was coming back from FRA as the QF6020 last night. Empty ferry flight AFAIK.

 

[samh004]

Nancy was coming back from FRA as the QF6020 last night. Empty ferry flight AFAIK.

Funnily enough, this was my beer top last night…

 

[markis10]

Funnily enough, this was my beer top last night…

View attachment 1307

would have been funnier if it was on the beer you go on the plane

 

[samh004]

would have been funnier if it was on the beer you go on the plane

True, but I don’t think they serve Carlton Draught onboard or in the lounges.