aeroquip/stratoflex hose life

[bell47]

Is there a life limit on hoses? I have heard ten years but can't find it in writing? Others say "on condition". What gives?

 

[erj-145mech]

That would be an airframe manufacturer limitation. For instance, it is a 10 year replacement item on an MU-2. This is not required on aircraft flown on Part 91, but would be if it were on a 135 certificate.

At any rate, it would behove the owner to set a hose retirement schedule as a preventitive maintenance measure to coincide with OEM recommendations. I recommend that engine compartment hoses be replaced with an engine change or overhaul shop visit, if they haven't been changed since the last change event.

I changed an engine on an AT-6 once that the hydraulic pump pressure hose had a 1949 assembly date on it, and it was 1989 when I changed the engine. The hose was not leaking when changed, but this was hose "Russian Roulette".

 

[cl_robster2481]

Hose is cheep and relatively easy to replace. I don't know about a generic time limit (I think Cessna is 10 yrs) but I replace any section of hose that has lost its flexibility. The ones in the engine compartment take the most abuse. I recommend replacement of these during engine changes.

 

[avbug]

Any limitations set forth by manufacturer airworthiness limitations will be binding, or as established by AD. The type of hose (Teflon vs. rubber, for example) makes a difference, as does the application of the hose assy (heat, working pressure, flex, environmental exposure, etc).

Hose life cycle is typically five years. No regulation prevents you from changing hoses on a preventative basis more frequently than legally required, either. Keep that in mind.

 

[erj-145mech]

Any limitations set forth by manufacturer airworthiness limitations will be binding, or as established by AD.

The limitation must be in the type certificate data sheet. If it is the maintenance manual, it is only a recommedation, if the aircraft is operated in Part 91. If your aircraft is on an approved maintenance program, follow the requirements of your program. If your program follows the manufacturers recommendations, that what you do.

If there is an AD note on the hoses, you must comply with the verbage in the AD. Thats the trump card.