Most of the work carried out by AMARC can be broken down into 3 distinct processes:

 
Process-In
Process-Out
Reclamation

These series of pages will describe in detail what is carried out during each process. Hopefully this information will dispell any thoughts of AMARC being just a Boneyard and will convey the specialist and skilled nature of the work that is carried out by its personnel.



Process-In prepares aircraft for long or short term storage at AMARC. Initial preservation, represervation and maintenance during storage is all carried out under this process. The following is a breakdown of the steps that an aircraft will go through from its delivery to AMARC to its placement on one of the facilities long term storage areas.
  • Receive Aerospace Vehicle
    The majority of the aircraft that arrive at AMARC are delivered by flight. In some cases aircraft may not be capable of flight and are delivered by overland transport. In this case AMARC have the capability to deploy a team of specialists to assist in the disassembly and transportation of the aircraft to AMARC.

    Aircraft are flown to AMARC by the owning service. On arrival the pilots are debriefed where details of in-flight discrepancies are recorded, aircraft records are handed over and AMARC takes custody of the aircraft. The aircraft is tied down in the receiving area and samples are taken of engine oil, hydraulic fluid and landing gear fluid for analysis by a laboratory.

  • Pre-Induction Safing Procedures
    Aircraft are made safe by the removal of hazardous and dangerous components or materials. This includes the removal of PAD/CAD (Propellant Actuated Device/Cartridge Actuated Device) items. High-pressure systems are bled and spring-loaded systems are relieved, survival kits are removed and any remaining weapons are removed for specialized storage.

This picture shows an FA/18 Hornet on the Wash Rack undergoing its periodic represervation process. After being washed down it will be inspected for corrosion or deteriaton to the airframe that has occurred during its time on its storage position. After this it will have its protective coat reapplied (in the case of many US Navy aircraft, a protective bag) and will be returned to it's storage area.

In the background another FA/18 Hornet can be seen awaiting its turn, still wearing its protective cover. These aircraft have now been turned over for reclamation pruposes and sit on the RIT area in an unprotected state.

This Photograph was taken in July 2001. Since then all of the FA/18s at AMARC have been moved to the RIT area and are being stripped for spares.
  • Aerospace Vehicle Inventory
    During this process a complete inventory of the aircraft is performed to document any missing items. Classified items are removed and sent to a secure storage area. Pilferable items or items subject to deterioration are placed in storage or are disposed of.
  • Preserve Aircraft Systems
    On the Flush Farm the aircrafts fuel systems are drained, the resulting fuel will be stored for future re-use. The empty fuel tanks are filled using NATO grade 1010 preservation oil, the oil is pumped through the entire fuel system to preserve all of its components (tanks, pipes, pumps, etc.). Depending on the type of engine engine it is either motored or run to fully circulate the pure oil. The surplus oil is then removed and recovered for future use.
  • Wash and Evaluate Aircraft
    On the Wash Rack the aircraft is thoroughly cleaned and inspected for corrosion. Each component is evaluated and after documentation of any problem that is found it is treated according to instructions from the owning service.
  • Seal Aerospace Vehicle for Storage
    Most of the aircraft at AMARC are protected by a vinyl compound called Spraylat which is sprayed on as two coats. The first coat is black in colour and seals the aircraft to protect its systems from dust, moisture, animals and insects. The second coat, which is white in colour, helps to reflect sunlight and heat to protect the aircraft from excessive internal temperatures. Before the spraylat is applied the engine intake and exhaust areas have desiccant material installed into them, and other openings are filled with barrier material of barrier tape. All access panels, doors, plates and other small openings are sealed using tapes. Brushable spraylat is used in conjunction with the barrier materials and tape to ensure a complete seal. Cockpits are vented and glass and acrylic surfaces are cleaned before the spraylat is applied to them.

    After all this work has been completed the internal temperatures will be within 10-15 degrees farenhuit of the outside air temperature. Without this protection the internal temperatures would reach in access of 200 degrees and this would result in the rapid deteriation of the plastic, rubber and heat sensitive components.

  • Transport Aircraft to Final Storage Site
    The aircraft are then towed to the designated storage position and are secured.

While at AMARC aircraft can be stored under the following categories:

Type 1000Aircraft stored in near-flyaway condition. Can be stored without re-preservation for a period of 4 years. Aircraft stored under this category may be downgraded to Type 2000.
Type 2000Generally aircraft allocated for reclamation purposes. Aircraft stored under this category may be downgraded to Type 4000.
Type 3000Flyable hold for 90 days or more, pending transfer, sale or disposition.
Type 4000Minimal preservation. Generally aircraft stored in this category are awaiting disposal.

Process-Out Reclamation