[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

Colin, to some extent that's true but the old adage is that the aircraft is only as old as it's last overhaul, wing spars in some cases are rated for a certain lifespan, when the aircraft has reached that time often it's prohibitively expensive to replace such components, but there is no reason an Aircraft can't fly indefinitely provided each component is replaced when it becomes time expired.

Lycoming Engines for example in your average Cessa are rated for TB0 of around 2000 hours depending on observed wear over that period.

There's no reason why most aircraft can't fly indefinitely, the limiting factors are cost and availability of replacement parts.

Sure ... I quite agree ... TBO ( Time Before Overhaul ) is often ' written ' in the maintenence procedures of any Engine/Airframe component ... by the Manufacturer of the said item .

Some are even subject to what is called ' on condition ' ... if it operates correctly .... then don't replace it.

Yes ... you could keep replacing Airframe / Engine parts and keep it flying ... and they do ... eg: just look around at any airshow and you'll see plenty of ' Historic ' planes gracing the skies.

And ... you are right ... it becomes very expensive to maintain ' Air Worthiness ' on an Aircraft as it ages.

Flash ..