Group 3 – A E R O

Due to burgeoning safety concerns regarding existing maintenance operations, HAECO, an aviation MRO contractor, requested the design of a maintenance platform to address key operational needs of aircraft technicians. Current procedures require maintenance work be performed on jack-elevated aircraft, with critical tasks including engine removal and installation at working heights above six feet. As a result, technicians are required to work from ladders or directly on engine cradles, significantly increasing the risk of fall and injury due to limited working space and unstable footing. To address these challenges, team AERO completed the design of a robust maintenance platform, focusing on overall stability, mobility, height adjustability, and worker safety, while also ensuring compatibility with A319/A320 aircraft. The platform features a galvanized steel frame supported by six total locking caster wheels, providing for secure, straightforward positioning. Additionally, a fixed height staircase with custom guardrails is incorporated for ease of access to the working platform. Key platform safety features include steel diamond plating to provide traction, guardrails on all three sides, and a chain-link gate to ensure complete enclosure while in use. To extend the product practicality and accommodate technician needs, a hydraulic scissor lift is integrated with the base, providing an adjustable working height between six and ten feet. Lastly, the platform features an extendable portion composed of six independent, extendable aluminum beams, which translate via linear actuator controls. The extendable platform elongates up to thirty inches to precisely contour the aircraft engine, offering technicians a larger, more secure working area during critical operations. Overall, the completed design offers a versatile, ergonomic, and safety-focused solution that allows technicians to perform their work more efficiently and securely.