Aircraft vibration is not something to be written off. If parts aren’t balanced correctly, you can risk cracking, failed avionics, and loss of engine performance. This can also contribute to metal fatigue which, if left unrepaired, can lead to potentially catastrophic engine failure. This is why monitoring aircraft vibrations is one of the most important…
Helicopter vibration problems can quickly become an inconvenience for the flight crew and a costly problem for technicians. If unchecked, the excess vibration can reduce the lifespan of instruments and mechanical components. As such, accurate and quick vibration analysis is essential in determining the causes of vibration and how it will get fixed. This article…
Recently, James Bridenstine, the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gave a presentation on the agency’s budget that he received from President Donald Trump. Among the projects he mentioned, was the potential to return to the age of supersonic air travel in the United States. His agency, he said, is currently working with…
History In the early 1990s, ACES Systems launched the beginning of the Model 1000 propeller balancing product line. We originally released the ACES Systems Model 1000 Analyzer Series in the early 1990s, continued its evolution up to the Model 1010 and 1012, and then ceased production in 2002 as the next generation of ACES products…
Aviation maintenance technicians have a fulfilling job, but it’s far more than a day in the garage. With so many advancements in aviation technology and systems, the people who maintain the aircraft have a pretty in-depth job. There are many things about aviation maintenance technicians that you may not have known, just like you may…
Your aircraft propeller is essential to the function of the entire aircraft, and proper maintenance will ensure it remains as such. Part of that maintenance is dynamic propeller balancing. A dynamic propeller balance will not only increase your plane’s performance and reduce vibrations, but it will add to your engine’s longevity. There are, however, common…
Balancing in a breeze can be challenging! Here are a few wind guidelines for dynamic propeller balancing your propeller in a breeze while using the ACES Systems ProBalancer Sport, ProBalancer, Cobra II or Viper II analyzers. Wind speed should be limited to 20 MPH (17 Knots) with a gust factor limited to 5 to 7 MPH…
 You’ve noticed there are some vibrations in your aircraft, and it’s time to balance your prop.  We’ve put together a checklist for you to use. Basic Balancing Procedure Insure all Airworthiness Directives have been accomplished for the aircraft you are balancing. You should inspect the Propeller assembly for nicks, dents, cracks, etc. (FAA Advisory Circular 20-37E should…
We offer a free Dynamic Propeller Balance course which leads to an ACES Systems Certificate of completion that may be applied to the FAA AMT Awards Program. Â After reading the following materials, complete the online test to automatically receive your certificate. #1: Â READ THE TRAINING MATERIALS Â Using the Model 2020 Probalancer Analyzer – Fixed…
This month we look into the different types of cables and connectors used in vibration analysis. When conducting vibration analysis in aviation maintenance using any of the ACES Systems analyzers such as the Cobra II and the Viper II, the weakest link in the chain is in the cables and connectors.  Find out why and what…