SUSTAINABLE ENGINE MAINTENANCE: EVALUATING THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF LIFE LIMITED PART REPLACEMENT

Abstract

While the aviation industry has historically focused on in-flight emissions, the environmental impact of engine maintenance has often been underestimated. However, maintenance has a significant impact on the subsequent performance of the engine and therefore on the environmental impact during operation. This study examines the ecological implications of engine maintenance, with a particular focus on Life Limited Parts (LLPs), which require frequent replacement. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was employed to analyze the environmental consequences of specific LLP replacement workscopes for IAE V2500 engines. This included material exchanges, task execution and the final testing of the engine. The findings of this study indicate that, in addition to fuel combustion during testing, the replacement of LLPs contributes substantially to the ecological footprint. Furthermore, the energy consumed during the disassembly and assembly of the engine is a notable factor, which highlights the necessity of considering sustainability in engine maintenance practices in a comprehensive manner.