Development of systems and technology for aircraft engine and landing gear recycling in Baden-Württemberg

Abstract

Decommissioned aircraft are a source of high quality components and materials. Some of these engine and landing gear components have a limited service life and must be replaced after a defined number of revolutions, operating hours and landings in aircraft maintenance hangars. Before the materials can be introduced into the secondary raw material cycle, the components must be rendered unusable through a documented process. The reason for this process is to prevent suspected unapproved parts and inferior imitations (bogus parts) from appearing on the world market. The materials in question accumulate continuously at aircraft maintenance hangars, so their documented dismantling and ultimate recycling can be scheduled.