FAQs
Q1. What warning signs should mechanics be watching for that indicate an APU stand is need of repair?
Ans. APU Stands that show signs of rust and excessive wear and tear should be repaired or refurbished.
Q2. How frequently should preventive maintenance intervals be carried out for APU stands?
Ans. Stands should be inspected every six months and a comprehensive check should be accrued out once a year. The stands that have isolators (GTCP131-9B and GTCP 131-9C) need to have isolators changed every 5-7 years depending on the condition.
Q3. How long are APU stands typically out of service for routine maintenance versus repair?
Ans. A repair on an APU stand can be from 2-4 days. Routine maintenance can usually be completed within 24-48 hours.
Q4. When might mechanics consider replacing an APU stand instead of repairing it?
Ans. The cost of repair versus the price of a new unit. Also the amount of damage and type of damage. For example, if rust is present the stand can be sandblasted and re-painted. If a mounting bracket is bent or broken it may be advisable to replace the stand.
A certified APU stand can provide trouble free service for several years (4-5) without any major issues, maintenance, or repair. Also how the stand is used and stored will affect its durability of the stand. For example, if a stand is used to store the engine for long periods of time as opposed to being used to transport APU’s extensively. Also if stands have isolators and are stored outside as opposed to inside or in a controlled environment – will prolong the life of the isolators.
Q5. What is the difference between Certified and Non-Certified APU and Engine Stands?
Ans. Non-Certified Equipment simply means that the drawing used to manufacture the equipment has not been approved by the OEM – CFM, GE, PW, Honeywell, etc. A Certified OEM APU stand or Engine stand is made to strict manufacturing guidelines in material, workmanship, and processes determined by the OEM.
The use of Non-Certified Equipment often means the equipment may be poorly fabricated, made with cheaper material including cheaper steel/metal, deficient or incomplete welding, and other issues. We have experienced and seen incidents of the damaging effects of improperly transporting an APU or Engine on Non-Certified Equipment. To be sure your stand is of the standard we will provide a certificate of conformity which ensures your stand conforms to OEM manufacturing specifications, standards, and has passed all tests. An OEM-certified stand complies with features such as the .095 ASTM A500 mechanical tubing, durable chemical resistant shock absorbers engineered to support specific engine models, precision machined stainless steel engine mounts, hardware, and assembly plate. Stands are manufactured and calibrated to meet the unique dimensions of engine mounting points. Also the use of skilled and certified technicians during the manufacturing and fabrication process. We have all models of Honeywell APU and Honeywell Engine stands available with respective Crates (If required).
Q6. Are crates needed for the transportation of APU.s with the stand?
Ans. Honeywell only requires crates with the GTCP 131-9B and GTCP 131-9C APU.s. Crates are optional. You can use the crate for storage of the APU on the stand.
Q7. Is an APU Transportation Stand the same as an APU Removal Dolly?
Ans. No removal dolly is only used to remove and move the APU from the wing with APU Hoists. We can provide both the APU Hoists and Dollies.
Q8. How do I know the piece of equipment is approved?
Ans. A Honeywell APU stands for example will have a Honeywell Data Plate. All our APU and Honeywell Engine stands have Honeywell Data plates.