JSSI advises clients on volcanic ash risks to business aircraft | Press Release

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Press Release

Issued by Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI).

April 30, 2015

JSSI advises clients on volcanic ash risks to business aircraft

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the leading provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for the business aviation industry, is warning clients of the damage risks to business aircraft, operating near volcanic ash clouds in the wake of last week's Calbuco volcanic eruption that occurred 620 miles south of Santiago, Chile.

JSSI is communicating with clients, especially ones based in the region of Chile and nearby Argentina, to make sure they are aware of the situation and remind them that exposure to volcanic ash can cause damage to both airframe and engine components.

“We provide around the clock service to our clients to both assist and support them with any maintenance issue with their aircraft, especially in unique circumstances like these,” commented Neil Book, president and ceo of JSSI. “This type of foreign material damage is typically not covered by maintenance programs, so it is even more important that we put our clients in a position to take the appropriate preventative measures. Of course, we encourage any operator to be aware of the situation and check with their local authorities, in this case, the DGAC Chile or ANAC, for volcanic ash warnings and guidelines.”

George Kleros, senior vice president strategic event management and fleet support for JSSI, stated, “Today's aircraft engines operate at higher temperatures and have higher tolerances than their predecessors, so volcanic ash exposure can have serious consequences. If an engine is exposed to ash, it may need to be removed from service, disassembled and cleaned. A compressor wash is not recommended. If you suspect an engine might have been exposed to contaminates from a volcanic eruption, you should verify the operational parameters and possibly perform a borescope inspection of the compressor section of the engine,” Kleros added.

Engine and aircraft manufacturers recommend specific techniques that pilots should use, as well as post-flight maintenance procedures, when volcanic ash is encountered. Contact a JSSI Technical Advisor with any questions at +1-312-494-8645 or send an email to volcanicashinfo@jetsupport.com.