As aviation pushes further into testing of biofuels, tougher emissions, and many other green initiatives
what are you doing to become more ‘green’?
We have recently seen several aviation industry groups step up in an effort to ‘go green’ with the push for removal of lead from aviation fuels, however, this technology is still several years down the road. We have now seen test flights with aircraft running a biofuel blend that is a byproduct of algae; in 2009 Continental Airlines ran the first test for the first flight of an algae-fueled jet.
Recently we’ve seen the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program from the FAA award $125 million in new contracts to GE Aviation, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce to develop aircraft and engine technologies that reduce noise and emissions and improve fuel burn.
FAA CLEEN program goals
• Reduce fuel burn by 33 percent, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduce landing and takeoff nitrogen oxide emissions by 60 percent — without increasing other emissions — over the 2004 International Civil Aviation Organization standard
• Increase use of more sustainable jet fuels, with transition strategies that don’t require significant aircraft or engine modifications
• Reduce noise levels by 32 db relative to the current noise standards
What is your company doing?
Has your company introduced any new efforts to reduce waste, recycle consumables, or cut down emissions? Is the bossman worried about the financial costs of going green? There are many little changes you can make within the hangar’s daily operating activities that can have a big impact when everyone follows along and implements a green effort as a standard practice.
Some ideas that may already be used within your maintenance organization are recycling waste oil and fuel, greater use of absorbent pads and materials resulting in a reduction in the need to water-wash shop floors, and the use of environmentally friendly degreasers and cleaners. You may also consider developing and implementing conservation procedures for washing aircraft, for conducting aircraft maintenance test-runs, and the use of ground power units. We’d like to hear your thoughts on biofuels, green initiatives, and easy-to-implement shop and hangar conservation ideas. Drop us a note at [email protected].
Until next time we’ll see you online: forums.AMTonline.com
Thanks for reading!
Jon Jezo
