How to Select The Best Equipment for Your Aircraft Maintenance Needs
Aluminum is the optimal choice for aircraft maintenance platforms, ladders, and stands due to several factors. These include
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Corrosion and UV resistant for outdoor use and storage,
Can be used in cold weather
Able to withstand exposure to Skydrol hydraulic fluid and still have sufficient grip.
Guidelines for Selecting Ladders, Stands, and Work Platforms
The following guidelines will help you select the ideal ladder, stand, or work platform for your specific maintenance requirements. These guidelines apply to a variety of aircraft, including commercial airplanes, military airplanes, and helicopters, and comply with ANSI Ratings and OSHA regulations.
LadderS
For safe access to hard-to-reach areas in your aircraft, ladders are the ideal option. Aluminum aircraft maintenance ladders, cantilever, de-icing and inspection, and wheel well inspection - each designed for routine or short-duration tasks where easy access and the ability to reposition your ladders quickly is required for efficiency.
Aircraft Maintenance Ladders
ANSI Rated Type 1A A-Frame Ladder in various designs and lengths.
Features
Available in various lengths, with wheels for easy rolling and customizable options. Non-slip treads, heavy-duty casters, ladder bumpers and reinforced heavy-duty designs are available for maximum stability and strength.
Applications
Pre-flight inspections
Small component access
Light repairs and modifications
Emergencies
Noncritical maintenance tasks
Advantages
Aluminum Aircraft Maintenance Ladders are ruggedly built to withstand extreme weather conditions and are easily portable due to their lightweight design.
Cantilever Aircraft Ladders
ANSI-rated Type 1A specially engineered ladder to provide access to hard-to-reach areas of an aircraft while having zero contact with aircraft
Features
Heavy-duty wheels for mobility, non-skid steps, ergonomic design, and a variety of heights
Applications
Inspection
Maintenance
Repair requiring access to the pylon, cowling, underbelly compartments, or landing gear
Advantages
Easily portable due to lightweight materials and heavy-duty wheel design. Provides stability and strength for both employees and tools.
Aircraft De-Icing, Inspection, and Wheel Well Ladders
ANSI-rated Type 1A specially engineered ladder to provide access to hard-to-reach areas of an aircraft while protecting the plane from potentially damaging contact
Features
Wheel well ladders ensure safe access by clearing the aircraft's landing gear. Deicing and inspection ladders are contoured to the wing’s leading edge to prevent marring. Swivel safety shoes, bar hook for stability.
Applications
Inspection
Maintenance
Repair requiring access to landing gear, wings, or wheel wells
Advantages
Providing ergonomic access, secure footing, and easily portable design due to lightweight materials.
Stands and Platform Ladders
When your technicians need to work for extended periods safely at a height, we recommend maintenance stands. These stands or platform ladders provide the added protection of railings and non-slip surfaces to minimize the risk of accidents. Stands or platform ladders increase efficiency by allowing technicians to work for extended periods at a height without balancing or stability issues.
Description
ANSI 14.2 Type 1 A Rated. Combine the benefits of work platforms and aircraft maintenance ladders for performing specific tasks.
Features
Rolling stands can be designed to accommodate unique aircraft models and provide the required access and workspaces. They have a non-skid platform, tilt and roll wheel assembly, and double handrail.
Applications
Routine aircraft inspections
Component replacement
Painting and surface treatment
Aircraft modifications and retrofitting
Engine maintenance
Landing gear maintenance
Advantages
Ease of moving and positioning stand. Heavy-duty slip-resistant treads and a removable back handrail can be used as a pass-through stand.
Platforms
When working at a height for extended periods of time or when multiple technicians need to work on the same area Aircraft Maintenance Platforms are the answer. Platforms are typically used for more complex maintenance and repair tasks as they offer the most stable options and provide a wide, flat surface for people and tools. They have a higher weight capacity, allowing one or more technicians to work with heavier tools.
Description
ANSI 14.2 Type 1 A Rated. Specialized structure designed to provide safe and stable access to various parts of an aircraft
Features
Platforms can be customized for specific aircraft types, allowing maintenance personnel to access different parts of the aircraft easily. Rolling versions have a platform, tilt, and roll wheel assembly and double handrail available.
Applications
Heavy maintenance checks
Aircraft painting and coating
Avionics installation and maintenance
Structural repairs and modifications
Engine overhaul and maintenance
Cabin systems maintenance
Nose, tail, and wing repair work
Advantages
Ease of moving and positioning rolling platforms and heavy-duty slip-resistant surfaces for working at a height. The back handrail is removable for use as a through stand.
Ultimately, your choice for the ideal equipment comes down to the specific requirements for it’s usage, and considerations to ensure the safety and efficiency of your technicians.
Visit our Aircraft Ground Support Equipment to learn more about Metallic Ladder’s complete line of ladders, platforms, and work stands designed specifically for the unique needs of the aerospace industry.