News & Updates

Why tool loan support matters

Aircraft maintenance and AOG events are highly time‑sensitive, and delays can quickly translate into lost revenue, passenger disruption, and schedule knock‑on. BCT’s tool loan support ensures that certified, calibrated, and OEM‑approved tools are readily available, without the operator needing to own every niche item.

As well as reducing capital expenditure, so airlines avoid having to invest in rarely used or type‑specific tools, and the hangar space to store them, BCT’s ‘pay per use’ flexibility means paying for tools only when needed. It also means that operators do not need to absorb lifecycle costs of equipment, such as calibration, recertification, upgrades, and obsolescence management.

As well as for established carriers, this model is particularly attractive to smaller or growing airlines, which need access to sophisticated tooling without the budget or volume to justify an in‑house capability.

In addition, outsourcing tools and equipment deployed by a highly experienced ‘Go Team’ from BCT reduces the need for customers to build in‑house expertise across every fleet type and task, which can be costly and challenging to manage.

Benefits of a partnership with BCT Aviation Maintenance

Beyond pure tool access, a partnership with BCT Aviation Maintenance brings further advantages to line maintenance and AOG support. BCT’s tool loan support service bundles equipment, manpower, and engineering support into a single solution, thereby saving time and simplifying contracting.

BCT offers rapid mobilisation of its ‘Go Team’, typically four engineers, with round‑the‑clock support and logistics coordination. BCT’s experience of supporting airlines in all aspects of their day‑to‑day engineering operations, including AOG, means we understand airport constraints, local regulations, and typical failure patterns.

For an airline or operator, partnering with BCT for tool loan support means gaining a single point of contact for tools, technical expertise, AOG and Casualty Support, rather than trying to co-ordinate multiple vendors and internal departments in the middle of an operational crisis.

With the advantage of having licensed aircraft engineers stationed at five airports across the UK and Ireland, BCT is able to deploy a team at short notice, backed by our Part-145 regulatory approvals.

Fast deployment RAT testing with BCT’s ‘Go Team’

Because RAT activation in service is rare, a substantial portion of verification and recurring checks are carried out on the ground. BCT’s dedicated mobile RAT test rig and ‘Go Team’ is available for fast deployment to airlines and MROs.

As part of the testing process, the rig simulates the aerodynamic torque by mechanically driving the RAT input shaft at specified speeds. It measures shaft speed, torque, hydraulic pressure/flow, generator voltage/frequency, case temperature, and vibration levels during the test sequence, to ensure that RAT performance is reproduced accurately without overstressing the unit.

 Typical RAT ground test sequence

Whilst the RAT location and maintenance can differ by aircraft type, ground testing follows a structured sequence.

1.    Pre‑test preparation

• Position the aircraft in a safe area and configure hydraulic/electrical systems per maintenance instructions, including depressurization or isolation as required.
• Install the RAT ground test tool or gearbox assembly, secure mechanical interfaces, and connect the hydraulic cart or drive unit with the specified fluid, pressure, and temperature conditions.

2.    Deployment and mechanical verification

• Command RAT deployment using the cockpit control or maintenance panel and verify correct door opening, extension sequence, and mechanical locks or uplock release.
• Inspect for interference with surrounding structure, confirm correct clearances, and check position indication and warnings on the flight deck.

3.    Drive‑up and performance mapping

• Run the ground drive unit at incremental speeds representing key flight conditions (e.g., approach, holding, diversion speeds) while monitoring RAT speed stability.
• Record hydraulic pressure and flow or electrical voltage, current, and frequency at each test point to verify that the RAT meets minimum output required for the emergency loads.

4.    System integration checks

• With the RAT driven, transfer selected buses or hydraulic circuits onto RAT‑supplied power and verify continued operation of essential avionics, flight controls, and instrumentation.
• Confirm correct automatic load‑shedding, bus priority logic, and fault indications if RAT output is reduced or disconnected.

5.    Protective and special‑function tests

• Where applicable, exercise RAT anti‑icing or de‑icing devices via the non‑rotating test shaft or electrical controls and verify power consumption and thermal performance within limits.
• Check overspeed protections, brake or damping features, and emergency retraction or stow interlocks as permitted by the design.

6.    Shutdown, inspection, and documentation

• Reduce drive speed to zero, command system shutdown, and remove the test tooling per procedure, followed by visual inspection for leaks, damage, or abnormal wear on the RAT and mounts.
• Analyse recorded data against acceptance criteria, document results in the maintenance log, and update reliability tracking as required by the operator’s continuing airworthiness programme.

For more information about BCT’s RAT testing service, please contact us.

Other equipment available for hire includes:

• Hydraulic Ground Power Unit
• A320 & B737 Four Tripod Airframe Jacks – Main, Nose & Tail
• B737 Toilet Line Cleaning Kit
• B737 Bootstrap Kit
• VX-10K Flight Line Test Set
• K737-900 Pitot Static Adaptor Kit
• C36001-44 Bleed Test Set
• ADA320-845 A320 Airdata Adaptor Set