eSource 109 - ALS Aircraft Oil Analysis

Aircraft owners rely upon many different factors to ensure safe and successful flights. Pilots concern themselves not only with their own skills, abilities, and well-being but must also be confident that their aircraft is in the best physical condition possible.

It is imperative that the aircraft is airworthy. One factor that contributes to an aircraft’s airworthiness is inspection of the condition of that aircraft’s engine oil through Aviation Oil Analysis (AOA) and the information oil analysis can provide on the mechanical health of the aircraft.

Aviation oil analysis (AOA) can act as an early warning system which will alert the aircraft owner to potential maintenance issues. Monitoring the engine’s condition through regularly scheduled oil analysis helps aircraft owners locate excessively worn parts and predict potential failures to engine components, bearing, rotor gears and hydraulics. Monitoring an aircraft’s engine’s condition through regularly scheduled oil analysis gives owners the ability to spot trends using the data reported. 

Test kits provided by ALS Tribology contains a sample bottle and a sample information form and mailing container. The aircraft information, engine type, and sample information provided on the information form supplies the laboratory diagnosticians with an overall picture of the sample and the circumstances of the aircraft under which the sample was taken. After the laboratory receives the sample testing is conducted for key wear metals and contaminants.

Elements included on your analysis report are:

• Aluminum
• Iron
• Copper
• Nickel
• Chromium
• Silver
• Silicon
• Lead* and Magnesium* (*turbine engines only)
• Appearance related to the condition of the oil

These tests help pinpoint the type of wear that is occurring and the possible sources for that wear. ALS AOA also offers an advanced package that includes additional testing of metals, moisture, and oil acidity to improve monitoring of fluid health. 

In addition to engine oil analysis, ALS AOA also offers microscopic chip evaluation and analytical ferrography to determine the metal constituents that may be wearing in an aircraft. After the tests are performed, an experienced diagnostician evaluates each piece of data and offers specific observations and recommendations that are provided in a report. In cases when the results suggest severe condition, the diagnostician will initiate a phone call to owners or maintenance personnel.    

ALS Aviation Oil Analysis is designed specifically for aircraft owners and maintenance personnel. Routine oil analysis provides pilots, owners, and maintenance personnel with critical information needed in order to fly safely. Permanent and update history files on all aircraft are retained and can be transferred to new aircraft owners. A copy of the complete history and current laboratory evaluation is sent with each analysis report in an easy-to-understand format. Test reports are delivered and available through ALS Tribology’s online service, Webtrieve™, in a concise, intuitive report formats. With Webtrieve™, you can search for test results, print or email test reports, run management summary reports, and download data. Immediate alerts and reporting is also available through our Webtrieve™ mobile device. Download our easy-to-use mobile app, and log in using your Webtrieve™ username and password. Go to the Google Play or Apple Store and search for ALS Tribology.

To order ALS AOA test kits or for further information click here or contact csr.phoenix@alsglobal.com.

Written By:

David Doyle, CLS, OMA I, OMA II
ALS Tribology

Quenton Beals, Laboratory Manager
ALS Tribology, Phoenix