What Happens to Planes and Plane Parts When They Are Taken Out of Service
When a commercial or military aircraft reaches the end of its operational life, either through the exhaustion of airframe hours or due to an economically unviable design, what happens to the plane and its parts is quite intriguing. Despite the need for the plane to remain airworthy until the very end, they still possess many high-quality components that can be salvaged and reused.
Why Planes Are Taken Out of Service
Commercial aircraft are typically removed from service when their airframe hours, a measure of the aircraft's operational lifespan, are used up. Military aircraft might be taken out of service for similar reasons or because their design is no longer cost-effective to fly in modern combat scenarios. In both cases, the aircraft are thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet airworthiness standards, even at the end of their service life.
The Value of Salvageable Parts
There are numerous levels of parts that can be salvaged from an aircraft even at the end of its service life. For example, engines that have a relatively low number of hours on them can still perform reliably and be reconditioned for reuse. Additionally, high-buck components such as brakes, tires, landing gear, windows, servos, and avionics are often refurbished or recycled due to their high value and the significant remaining potential for use.
Where Are the Aircraft Taken to Be Scraped?
A significant number of decommissioned aircraft end up in vast airplane graveyards in the western United States. These notorious scrap yards are located in places such as Tucson, Arizona, and Victorville, California. Upon arrival, these planes are methodically dismantled to extract every usable part for recycling or refurbishment. The process begins with an inspection to ensure that the parts are safe and fit for various applications.
Recycling and Scrapping the Remainder
Once the valuable components are removed, the remaining parts of the aircraft undergo a systematic scrapping process. Given the high value of materials found in aircraft, such as metals and composite materials, the scrapping process is more detailed and methodical compared to that of cars. However, the end goal remains the same: to recover and recycle as much high-value material as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of what happens to planes and their parts when they are taken out of service is a blend of decommissioning, salvage, and recycling. Tailored to the unique components and materials of aircraft, this process not only ensures that every part is utilized to its fullest potential but also supports the ongoing efforts to reduce waste and increase sustainability in the aviation industry.