APU... the little engine that could

My latest colleague, the 747-400, has now been through the engine removal stage of disassembly - very similar to my first hand account back in April.  I figure we've been branded buddies for life, and "end of life", by Boeing and our 747 status.  However, there is at least one remarkable fact that might be of interest to all you passengers.  Check out this Auxiliary Power Unit...  I think of it as the "little engine that could & DOES".  This secondary power unit, located at the rear of the aircraft, often operates the systems that keep you comfortable while the plane is grounded at the gate - before departure and after arrival - including the heating & cooling systems along with electrical systems and the ever-critical lavatories.

If you wonder... why don't I "tout" my very own APU?  As a cargo aircraft, I've got one - it's just not quite as glam keeping cargo cool.

747-400 Joins the End of Life Recycling Program

I knew something BIG was happening last night - there were lots of extra UAM folks, city officials and even a tv crew.  Imagine my surprise to see the arrival of another 747!  This 747-400 is a NEWER model, with better avionics and more marketability.  Boy, does that bird have serious back...

After running the power assurance checks on all 4 engines out on the runway - the team towed this new arrival over to UAM's facility.  Now I share the title of  "tallest structure" in the area.

An Aerial View...

It's been said, "a photo is worth many words".  Take a look at this one...  even from my "view from the top", it's impressive to see all these projects.  Customers and clients come to the facility to watch these industry experts in action.  It really brings the UAM story to life - especially to see folks realize the size and dimension of an airframe like mine.  Still impressive after all my years of service - even without my four engines.

We've had a new arrival at the facility. I don't know the complete story yet... we don't seem to have much in common, other than the fact we're bigger than most of the other aircraft. We don't even speak the same language - this guy speaks French. Guess that makes sense, since he's an A310 - a first for UAM. And it's the first aircraft parked in the extended ramp area.

With all the activity and over 30 aircraft in various stages of disassembly, the facility expanded the parking area for new arrivals. Pretty exciting - there will be more of us to swap "sky high" tales.

UAM - The Source for Inventory

With two disassembly teams - there's never a dull moment around here... And there's an improved inventory system that allows the increased volume of component parts to be better organized - saving precious time & money.

Take it from me, I ought to know - units from my very own airframe are pushed along the QC and inventory process faster than ever, so airlines receive a requirement faster - improving dispatch reliability ~ a top priority for any airline.

With two disassembly teams, over 30 aircraft in various stages of disassembly and this improved inventory process - now I know why UAM is THE Source for Inventory.

Boy, these guys are making stuff happen! My mechanics are pulling components from my airframe as each sells and the sales team must be sell, sell, selling - there is never a dull moment around here.

The focus today is on creating more space for more disassembly projects, and here at the UAM hangar – they’re taking green to the next level.

I always wondered what happened once all the “good stuff” is removed from an airframe, like mine. From the looks of things, over 90% of any airframe is considered valuable ~ gotta love that when you’re on the project list ~ they respect the sum of our parts. The guys even use the interior carpet for crating and shipping. Amazing!

I’ve seen more than a few aircraft scrappings over the past week. You wouldn’t believe it, but that’s all that’s left at the end of a UAM aircraft disassembly project – aluminum for the final stage of recycling.

Not much activity on my airframe this week, but boy are the A&P mechanics busy. It's astonishing the growing volume of inventory here, and the care involved while pulling and moving parts to the warehouses. And I've never seen anything quite like the custom crates designed specifically for shipping components and related airframe accessories. You can tell these guys are industry experts.

UAM now has two highly qualified disassembly teams - one that administers the aircraft disassembly through its outlined stages, and another that focuses on immediate sales orders. Even I can tell this improves turn-time to customers - you know, my times & cycles aren't what they used to be - but the fact is... better turn-time keeps my fellow aircraft buddies flying high and in tip-top shape. And there's even after-hours services to support AOGs!

These guys are working hard and having fun – I can't wait to see what's next.