Warbird Information Exchange

Hi

I am trying to understand the process used at the North West Airlines Modification Centre St.Paul or possibly others relating to De-Pickled aircraft?

Some engine references suggest replacing engine oil with a special preservative oil, but the aircraft in question were recently flown from storage/factory to the modification centre, so I assume all engines and hydraulics etc are operational.

A number of phrases are used on a 1945 NWA Modification Centre status report are:

Aircraft De-Pickled and Stored - Awaiting Clearance
Aircraft Pickled and Stored
Aircraft Pickled-Not Stored
Not Modified-Not Pickled

Can anyone comment on the above or the De-Pickling process, in general, used on aircraft recently arrived at modification centres?

thank you

Mark

The status of an aircraft will be based on its' expected disposition.
If return to service is imminent then it will be placed in "flyable storage". Systems will be operated regularly, time sensitive inspections carried out and all that may be required is a service check, then away you go.
If longer term storage is expected then systems will be inhibited. This may involve preservative oil in lieu of service issue (for anti corrosion purposes vs anti wear) and whatever else the manufacture would recommend. Return to service would then require un-inhibiting.

Hope this helps

Andy Scott

The same procedures are done today when NARROWSEAT AIRLINES parks those 767's in the big litterbox. Depending on how long it's going to sit unused. As the status changes, the aircraft is preserved to greater or lesser extent. Most of the 757's converted from pax to boxhaulers were in very long naps before being revived.

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-