Aircraft Engine Repairs Key Terms

Learn the key terms involved in aircraft engine repairs

By Catherine Ryan

When it comes to aircraft engine repair, there are a lot of important terms to be aware of. If you are working with airplanes, it is imperative that you become familiar with the basic terms related to the maintenance and repair of an aircraft's engine. Some important terms to start with are FAA Part 145, EASA certification, MRO, Ney nozzle, engine washing, preignition and detonation.

FAA Part 145

FAA Part 145 is a certification given to some aircraft repair centers by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is important to know if the center that is handling your aircraft engine repair has this certification.
Try: Learn about FAA Part 145 and the certification procedures at the Federal Aviation Administration.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is a term you will often see listed on aircraft engine repair center's list of qualifications. If your planes are flying internationally, it is important that your engine technicians are certified to international standards.
Try: Learn more about the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is a term to describe a full-service aircraft center. MROs are vital to the long life of any aircraft and its engine.
Try: Learn about what an MRO is and does from Fokker Services.

Ney Nozzle

The Ney Nozzle was created by Chuck Ney Enterprises and approved by the FAA to provide constant lubrication to the camlobes of Lycoming engines. The Ney Nozzle is a very helpful addition to any Lycoming engine overhaul and repair servicing.
Try: Learn more about the Ney Nozzle and how it fits into the engine overhaul service offered by Chuck Ney Enterprises.

Engine washing

Engine washing describes the method of cleaning out an aircraft engine's turbine blades and core with water and a mix of detergents or solvents. The process helps to eliminate carbon buildup and maximize the engine's efficiency.
Try: Read a description of engine washing at Aviation Maintenance.

Preignition and detonation

Preignition is the combustion of fuel and air in the engine before normal ignition takes place. Preignition can lead to detonation, which can lead to three types of engine damage: mechanical, abrasion and overheating. It is important to know the signs of an engine that is prone to preignition and detonation in order to avoid costly problems.
Try: Sacramento Sky Ranch provides an excellent description of what preignition and detonation entail, along with helpful illustrations.