Today, we went to the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) for 2
last lessons.
Since some of us learnt how to disassemble a Turbojet Engine (or remove
a fan blade from the Turbofan Engine) yesterday, today was our turn to learn
about the oil system.
For the 1st hour or so, we had a very interesting lecture on
how the oil circulated throughout the whole engine during its (the engine’s) operation.
We also learnt about the filtration system, pumps and Magnetic Chip Detectors (MCDs)
that kept the oil system running smoothly.
The engineer showing us how and where the oil flowed through during the
engine’s operation
After the lecture, we followed one of the engineers to the Apron
Auxiliary House where we learnt how to remove a scavenge oil filter and
pressure oil filter, change their filters and replace them back into the
engine.
Where the aircrafts are located
Trying to remove the pump filters from the engine
The pump filters removed
Removing the fastener so that the filter rings may be cleaned or
replaced
I was surprised to see some of my classmates, who were impatient to have
an early lunch, telling those who were reinstalling the filters that “anyway put
in also can”. It reminds me of the time when we learnt about Human Factors in a
module last semester. One of the key things a Licensed Aircraft Engineer (LAE)
must avoid is being complacent as it can lead to carelessness and hence result
in an accident. I suppose since we are not LAEs yet, the rules might be more
lenient to us. It’s also a good thing that this aircraft is no longer used for
flying either. However, when we enter the aerospace industry next time as
proper LAEs, such actions of complacency are something we must be disciplined
enough to avoid.
Once we had reinstalled the filters, we returned to the practice centre
(much to my hungry classmates’ disappointment) where we first learnt how to
disassemble a Turbojet Engine.
We were given a task at one huge Turbofan Engine- Find the Oil Tank,
Pressure and Scavenge Pump, Pressure and Scavenge Oil Filter Elements,
Fuel-Cooled Oil Cooler (FCOC) and the Magnetic Chip Detectors. If not for the
drawings given to us, we would have had a much harder time in locating the
required oil system elements.
The drawing showing the locations of the oil system elements
Once we had completed the task, another engineer came over to explain to
us how the oil flowed around within the engine. From this lesson, I was amazed
to learn that there are so many other systems at work while the engine is in
operation.
After lunch, we went back to the Apron Auxiliary House to see the
engineers perform an engine ground run. While waiting for them to set up the
aircraft, we had a chance to see how they added hydraulic fluid into the plane,
charged the aircraft’s battery when the aircraft was on the ground, checked the
fuel for any water contamination and also the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to see
if it had enough fuel.
Preparing to add hydraulic fluid into the plane
An engineer showing us the socket on the aircraft where it can be plugged
into and charged
An engineer pouring some fuel from the aircraft’s fuel tank into his
container so that he may check for any signs of water
The APU
Soon, we could enter the airplane and have a look-see around. As this
was a cargo plane, all the windows were opaque and the floor was covered with
ball-bearings and cylindrical bearings. I believe these bearings make it easier
to load and move huge cargo around in the aircraft.
Observe
the floor of the aircraft
Ball-bearings on the floor
Cylindrical bearings on the floor
About 10 minutes later, they started up the engines and began the ground
run. Even though we were standing quite a few metres away, it was still very
loud and noisy. Since not many of us brought our own ear protection, we either
covered our ears with our hands or used our earpieces as earmuffs. Some, who
got tired of the noise, retreated to the stairwell of one of the buildings as
it was much quieter in there. Others, like me and my friends, decided to walk
around and take pictures of/ with other aircrafts instead.
Noisy…
A Biplane! I thought these were no longer around!
At 4pm, we left the CAUC and returned to the Tianjin University hotel.
In all, I have found this trip to CAUC to be very interesting and immersing as
it allowed us to gain hands-on experience on the engines. Also, with a huge
gallery of engines and aircrafts for the university’s own students to work on,
I think that the students are fortunate to have such opportunities to practice
their skills on.
Until my next blog, I’d just like to say… Thanks for reading!
Best regards,
Marianne
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