22.Sep.2009
Bird strikes spell bad news.
GoAir’s A320 arrived at Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ bay 5 with a very visible hard-pressed damage. Reportedly, the dent was caused by a bird strike.
To repair a critical surface condition as such required a painstakingly rigid panel installation. While panel changes are normally treated like a regular repair, the Mumbai-based aircraft called for a more advanced approach due to the dent’s location.
The structural damage seen in its surface was located in the cockpit and avionics area, slightly a few inches diagonally above the static port. This area holds some of the aircraft’s major electrical and wiring installations. In addition, having the damage near the zone where air flow pressure is being accessed makes it more fragile and rigorous to handle. Another factor adding to the complexity of the task was the cut and shape of the panel that goes beyond the glare shield and below the window.
Clearing the cockpit area’s interior from all the electrical wirings had to be done prior to detaching the entire panel. Surrounding areas inside had to be completely covered and protected to prevent any dust or dirt seeping into the wiring system. Even after all the parts that might cause disruption have been removed, the access remained to be as challenging, heavily requiring a team of experienced sheetmetal workers to keep everything in proper shape. Once cleared, a careful procedure of dismantling that section of the panel followed, and was executed under a strict removal sequence. During the actual installation, a number of specialized tools for riveting were also necessary to mount the new set of panels and successfully finish the task.
Alongside the panel change is a C-check and redelivery service scheduled for the aircraft.
GoAir is the aviation brand under the Wadia Group based in Mumbai, India. It is currently operating across 13 destinations across the Indian subcontinent. Its fleet of seven A320s service airports at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengalooru, Chandigarh, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Jammu, Mumbai and Srinagar. The induction of a brand new A320 early May 2009 added two new routes to Guwahati and Bagdogra.
Based on reports, GoAir plans to increase its fleet to ten aircraft by the end of the year, along with expanding its route network.