When planning to build an airplane, it is vital to use the correct aircraft hardware kits. The first and foremost resource is the airplane’s parts manual or kit plans. You must consult a hardware kit if you don’t know the correct part number. A kit is also essential for aircraft owners as they are responsible for installing the correct hardware.
Traceability
The traceability of aircraft hardware kits is vital for aerospace manufacturers, airlines, defense contractors, and logistics companies. Traceability is based on documentation, which must be retained for several reasons. If lost paperwork is not returned, it can result in a lost part or equipment, which must then be returned to the supplier for inspection. For these reasons, aircraft data plates are essential to ensure that aircraft assets are adequately identified.
To ensure traceability, aircraft hardware kits must meet strict requirements. These include the following requirements: Part number, ICA, and maintenance program. An aircraft part must be certified under the standards outlined in the airworthiness approval tag, the EASA Form 1 (equivalent to a Part 21 Subpart Q). If a hardware kit does not meet these requirements, it should not be installed on an aircraft with a type certificate. In this case, the installer must contact the relevant regulatory authority to report the unapproved part.
Cost
The cost of aircraft hardware kits varies widely. The price of a kit is often determined by the size and quantity of its components. For instance, a small screw kit might contain a small screw and a couple of washers. This type of kit is intended to replace nonstructural hardware in an aircraft. Once ordered, these kits usually ship within 48 hours of purchase.
They are shipped via various shipping carriers with tracking numbers. Unlike standard USPS mail, which does not come with a tracking number, the cost of aircraft hardware kits is determined by the order’s size, weight, and location. In addition, customers are allowed to change or cancel their order before final checkout.
Availability
If you are building an aircraft and are looking for hardware, you can find these at many aviation suppliers. Some of these suppliers have kits that include all the necessary parts, but they are not all created equal. Some parts are unavailable in every kit, and you can find parts you don’t need elsewhere. If you’re building an aircraft for fun or commercial purposes, consider purchasing a hardware kit from a trusted aviation supplier.
Custom Kitting
Custom aircraft hardware kitting services are available for a wide range of needs. These services include compliance with service bulletin changes to complete aircraft transformations. The company’s engineering expertise and full-service engineering capabilities can also benefit you. When deciding which kitting company to use, there are several considerations.
First, check out the company’s philosophy on completeness. Some companies provide complete kits, while others leave out a lot of standard hardware. For example, some custom aircraft hardware kit companies only provide rivets but don’t provide nuts or bolts. Similarly, if you require stock beyond that included in a traditional aircraft hardware kit – maybe you need grease like aeroshell 7 to extend the life of load-bearing components, as well as nuts, bolts, and other metal components, for instance – you may have to order these items separately, or instead opt for a custom kit to ensure you receive all the elements you need.
Providing custom kits is a business decision, as the company may not have a complete inventory or be able to provide them. However, companies with complete inventory can provide a complete hardware list for your aircraft. Examples of such companies include Aircraft Spruce.
Alternative Materials
Many alternative materials are now being researched for use in aircraft hardware kits. These materials can provide various benefits, including lightweight parts, resistance to extreme heat, fatigue resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
Engineers have various options, including carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, available. These materials are gaining in popularity for many applications, including aircraft manufacturing.
Most aircraft hardware is made of zinc or cadmium-plated steel. However, other materials are equally as strong. For example, sugar cane waste (bagasse), a byproduct of the sugarcane processing industry, is an excellent source of cellulose fibers. This natural material can be processed to produce bio-composites and bio-based Furan resins, which are ideal for aircraft interiors.
