Choosing TheCanKey FOD free turbine oil can opener has proven to be a major scoop for the Norwegian Air-Ambulance operator Avincis Aviation Norway AS.
Operating 10 Air-Ambulance equipped Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air 250 since July 2019, the once factory new King Air’s have now accumulated a total of 75.000 engine hours.
The dedicated Avincis maintenance team performing work on 7 line stations and 1 base maintenance facility, has from the very beginning of the Air-Ambulance contract used TheCanKey FOD free turbine oil can opener, when servicing their 21 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 turboprop engines.
Photo: Air-Ambulance equipped Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air 250
During those extremely many engine hours, the operation has been FOD free, except only two chip warning events. The two chip warning events both turned out to be hair like metal debris consistent with shavings from the use of a metal can opener. Most likely used by a third-party maintainer during peak periods.
TheCanKey is manufactured from composite polymer material and is the only certified FOD free turbine oil can opener on the market. It is tested and certified by Saybolt Laboratories not to leave any debris whatsoever in the oil can during the opening process. Read about “The shocking inside of a turbine oil can opening.”
As an operator you don’t want any flight cancellations that are easily avoidable by improved focus on FOD prevention during maintenance tasks. Read about “Prevention is the best way to avoid FOD in turbine engine oil systems.”
In today’s reality with very long engine repair time and hard-to-get spare parts, it is more important than ever to take extra good care of your engines. You should establish proper FOD prevention procedures for oil servicing and train your maintenance team in using the proper techniques. Read about “Management plays a critical role in FOD prevention.”
Imagine your helicopter or fixed wing operation without chip warning events. What an improvement of aviation safety and what a money saver. No cancelled flights due to chip light warnings. No ferry and crew costs for replacement aircraft. No delayed flights with potentially fatal outcome for patients.
Read also about “Why is it, that chip light warnings are ignored?”
Photo: TheCanKey FOD free turbine oil can opener
How do you make certain your maintenance team are properly trained and understand the importance of the oil filling process?
Here are some key points:
- Pay extra attention to the job. FOD in turbine oil usually goes unnoticed by the handler.
- Use protective gloves and glasses. Make sure not to spill the oil.
- Use only approved and proper turbine oil can openers.
- Use only approved and proper oil fillers.
- Make sure the oil filler tools are clean before use. No dust or debris are allowed.
- Make sure the turbine oil can is clean before opening. Use of DustCaps are recommended.
- Show the can opening process and installation of the FunnelCap.
- Make sure to use the correct oil type and brand. Mixing of turbine oils is not allowed.
- Show location and operation of oil filler points on engines and gearboxes.
Watch this video to see how much metal is introduced to the inside of a turbine oil can, when opened with a screwdriver. Read about “The shocking inside of a turbine oil can opening”
Photo: TheCanKey FOD free oil filler tool – FunnelCap
Use TheCanKey turbine oil can opener to ensure not to introduce FOD to your oil system when servicing or filling oil. It is an easy, proper and effective way to prevent FOD. Using TheCanKey FOD free oil servicing tools will ultimately save costs and improve overall safety and performance of the gear box.
Read more about TheCanKey FOD free oil service tools here: www.TheCanKey.com
