Page 30 - AAA NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 Online Magazine

FEATURE PILOT TRAINING

YOU SAY I SAY

The use of composite materials is spreading
rapidly throughout the aviation industry. But as a

relatively new construction technique for major
components in commercial aircraft, there are
some very valid questions being asked about its
long-term structural safety. Are manufacturers

going too fast, too soon?

“Regardless of the materials we use, Boeing employs the same rigorous methods to
deliver products that are safe for the flying public and efficient for airlines. We test,
we analyse and we demonstrate to ourselves and to the regulatory agencies that
even in extreme conditions – which may never be experienced in a full life of service
– [the] airplane is safe and durable.”

– Boeing

“It is too early to fully assess the adequacy of FAA and industry efforts to address safety-
related concerns and to build sufficient capacity to handle and oversee composite
maintenance and repair, given that composite airframe structures in currently in-service
airplanes are mostly limited to the secondary structures.”

– Gerald Dillingham, Director of Physical Infrastructure Issues at the US Government Accountability Office

“Composite materials maximise weight reduction … and are known to be more
reliable than other traditional metallic materials, leading to reduced aircraft
maintenance costs, and a lower number of inspections during service. Additional
benefits of composite technologies include added strength and superior durability
for a longer lifespan.”

– Airbus

“The long-term ageing behaviour of these composite materials is indeed an unknown.
What is going to happen to these structures, which are often bonded as a single piece,
in the 30-year lifetime of an aircraft? The necessary research [on composite-structure
damage, visibility and growth] is still under way.”

– Dr Philip Irving, professor and aviation structures specialist, Head of Damage Tolerance Group, CAA Chair
in Damage Tolerance, Cranfield University, UK

What’s your view? Log on to www.asianairlines-airports.com and let us know what you think.

30 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM