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Recalibration Guidelines: Aircraft Oxygen & Nitrogen Service Cart Gauges

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Questions often arise regarding gauge calibration regulations when servicing aircraft oxygen and nitrogen systems.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regularly conducts aircraft support equipment inspections and may impose monetary fines for using equipment with expired calibration certificates. Equipment that does not meet FAA guidelines can also be removed from service at the discretion of the FAA.  It often surprises customers that there is not an exact timetable or calibration cycle dates specified by the FAA for recalibration of oxygen and nitrogen service systems and their oxygen/nitrogen regulators and booster (intensifier) systems.

Most common industry and military standards determine the typical gauge calibration life cycle to be 6 to 12 months. The objective of gauge recalibration is to minimize out-of-tolerance conditions to an acceptable level. Consensus or organizational standards may be established at operations where no national standards exist. If no consensus standards have been established, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards should be used. The proper way to establish the correct gauge recalibration frequency standard is to either examine the literature from the original equipment manufacturer to determine the stability of the gauge(s) and/or adhere to the standards set forth by your organization.  Ultimately it is the responsibility of the end user (owner) of the oxygen & nitrogen systems (or any aircraft servicing equipment) to determine the appropriate calibration interval under the requirements of its own quality management system.

Obviously, the potential issues that can arise from operating equipment that is past its re-calibration due date can be costly – through damage to the aircraft, danger to personnel (during tire servicing for example) or via the removal, “red tag” or quarantine of service equipment… Pressure gauges 12 months or older can be prone to experiencing out of tolerance conditions. Gauge degradation is inevitable over the lifetime of any gas pressure measuring instrument and gauge accuracy is properly ensured through periodic professional calibration.  The cost of such recalibration is relatively inexpensive, but can often surpass the total cost of purchasing new calibration certified gauges (labor costs, shipping costs, and equipment downtime add up in the long run).  For this reason, most customers choose to purchase new gauges in lieu of recalibration.

As always, we are more than willing to assist or answer any questions.  We provide new gauges and calibration services for customers on a daily basis.

28.5V DC GPU Load Bank Test – JetGo vs Hobart

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The Hobart JetEx series ground power units (GPU) are in my opinion the most widely used diesel driven 28.5vDC GPU in the USA (and possibly the world).  It is a common occurrence to see these unit on the ramps at FBOs, corporate flight departments, regional airlines and military installations (I also see, well more like “hear” many Davco Magnum units out on the regional airline ramps).

While Hobart may be the “industry standard” and name brand in the aviation world; this is a large market segment with many other companies manufacturing DC & AC GPUs (some higher quality and some of much lower quality).

With this said, while the JetEx4D has been replaced with the newer JetEx5D my focus for now is on the JetEx4D.  As there seem to be many more JetEx4D units on the ramps than the JetEx5D, and many customers often call or email me to receive pricing on used or refurbished JetEx4D units.  A customer could expect to pay the following for the units mentioned above in refurbished or good used condition:

  • Hobart JetEx4D (1983 to 1992) ~ $16,000 to $22,000
  • Hobart JetEx5D (1995 to 2005) ~ $19,500 to $27,000
  • Davco Magnum (1993 to 2005) ~ $16,000 to $25,000

With this said, I have chosen to compare a rebuilt Hobart JetEx4D to a new JetGo GPU, as they have similar price points.  My selection for this test was the JetGo 550Mti, which is the most popular of the JetGo models and leads the diesel-electric hybrid market in both technology and function.

My test method was through the use of Cannon L-28 and L-29 Load Banks, which accurately simulates the amperage draw of both aircraft engine starts and the continuous loads you can expect from a regional aircraft or mid-size business jet running avionics, lights and the electrical conditioned air systems where applicable.

While both units performed very well, and provided more than enough power needed to safely start and support the power needs of most aircraft; the JetGo unit slightly outperformed the Hobart unit in response time, amperage/voltage and engine “bog”. The JetGo 550Mti also provides more peak starting amperage than the venerable Hobart JetEx4D (550Mti = 2300 peak amps and JetEx4D= 2000 peak amps) and both easily put out 550 continuous amps. Though the JetGo was noticeably quieter and burned 56 percent less fuel over the course of the test operations.

In addition to the previously mentioned, the JetGo unit was much smaller, lighter and easier to use; with little room for any operator error that could lead to hot starts or aircraft damage (the JetGo was basically push button operation with full automation).  Another advantage of the JetGo was its ability to provide 24vDC power without the engine running, allowing customers with 24 volt avionics packages the ability to run preflight checks and avionics updates inside the hangar (via the onboard hybrid battery system).

While both the JetEx4D and JetGo 550Mti held up to expectations and performed similarly during the load bank tests; they are further separated by the low level of maintenance the JetGo GPU required during the preventative maintenance procedures.   Not to mention the price, as the cost of a new JetGo is similar to the cost of a rebuilt JetEx4D….

Happy GSE New Year and Holiday Greetings

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Holiday greetings from the crew at AERO Specialties!  We would like to wish everyone, on all continents, from every religion and culture happy holidays and cheers to a prosperous new year (according to the Gregorian calendar).  Tiptoeing around ethnocentricity, our best thoughts go out to all around the world!

We are thankful for the new customers we have gained and the returning customers who continued to support us in 2011.  We strive to manufacture and provide only the highest quality aircraft ground support equipment.  We recognize that it is our customers who need our equipment; and we work hard to offer reliable equipment with the best support and service available in the industry.

2011 was an excellent year for AERO.  We introduced some new products, all of which have been extremely well-received.  The JetGo diesel-electric hybrid ground power unit is now available globally in 4 different configurations.  The JetGo’s ease of operation and durability have proven reliable at servicing aircraft in remote locations and under the most extreme circumstances.  Our upgraded B-4 and B-5 aircraft maintenance stands are now in full production and in high demand.  Eagle Tugs continue to be the sought-after aircraft tractor in busienss aviation circles and TLD GPUs keep flying out the door.  No complaints on our end…

The fabricators, machinists, welders, mechanics and painters that manufacture our lavatory, potable water, nitrogen and oxygen service carts as well as aircraft towbars and heads are hard at work trying to keep product in-stock and on our shelves.  Production capacity is increasing.  We have hired several new employees over the course of the past year to meet the increased demand for our GSE.  Our manufacturing facility is in full tilt, producing GSE that will be delivered to every corner of our planet.

The prospects for 2012 are looking positive and efforts are underway to introduce more products to help aviation ground handling operations on your ramp.  Our commitment to customer service and product quality has never been higher as we move forward.

Thank you and happy holidays from everyone at AERO!

Děkuji, 謝謝, salamat, merci, תודה, Շնորհակալություն, ačiū, शुक्रिया, terima kasih, gracias, أشكرك, cảm ơn, Спасибо, Takk.

Adventures in global aircraft GSE distribution

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We recently had the pleasure of hosting Mark Merten, from Australia, at our Boise manufacturing facility.  Mark is a representative of GSE Services Pty Ltd., our new distributor in the Australia Oceania region.  Mark embarked on quite the extensive motorcycle journey down the West Coast of the North American continent, heading South from Alaska, and decided to stop by to check out our facility.  After riding his motorcycle for 5 days, and 2600 miles later, Mark showed up prepared to learn about our aircraft ground support equipment manufacturing processes and ended up shipping 5 towbars back to Australia.  Mark is pictured here (left) with AERO Sales Representative Brad Streeter.

During his facility tour and equipment training session, Mark helped our oxygen and nitrogen department build our oxygen and nitrogen aircraft service carts.  Specifically, Mark worked on our 2-bottle Tilt N Tow service cart and our 3-bottle remote service oxygen cart, complete with an onboard nitrogen power supply, which replaces the compressed shop air normally used on a hanger-specific unit.  Mark also participated in the building of a JetGo 550Mti ground power unit (GPU), one product in our new line of aircraft GPUs.  He enthusiastically jumped in and got his hands dirty, right alongside our diesel mechanics.  Mark had no problem fitting in with our crew and we are confident his company will complement and enhance our global image in the GSE industry.

Mark’s adventurous spirit is an indication of how he and his team at GSE Services will represent our brand in the Australia Oceania region, which consists of Fiji, New Zealand and the surrounding islands.  We are proud to have influential representation in this region and hope to expand our reach through this distribution agreement.  Mark’s intimate knowledge of the aircraft GSE industry is an exceptional asset to us and will prove invaluable as more of our aircraft gse products are supplied to airlines, FBOs, MROs and corporate flight departments in and around Australia.

Good luck Mark!  We are envious of your adventurous spirit and wish GSE Services success as we establish and grow our new business relationship.  Cheers, mate!  Throw another shrimp on the barbie for us!

More information on GSE Services is available at www.gseservices.com.au.

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