We recently supported an airline in sourcing a compliant replacement for a fuel system application, where time and certification both mattered.
During inspection, a gasket in the aircraft fueling system was identified as no longer within its acceptable shelf life. The aircraft could not return to service until a compliant replacement was sourced.
The original material of the gasket, KLINGERSIL® C-4430 had been supplied through our KLINGER sister company network.
Once the enquiry was received, there were approximately 15 calls to confirm material suitability, availability, and certification requirements. Because KLINGER was already on the airline’s approved vendor list, we were able to respond immediately without additional qualification steps.
Certification and Approval
The key requirement was confirmation that the material would be supplied with a certificate of conformance. This was provided, confirming the material met the order requirements and was supplied under a certified quality management system. Following review of the documentation, the airline’s engineering team confirmed the material was acceptable.
The airline’s Perth office collected the sheet on the same day from our facility, cut the gasket to specification, and arranged immediate shipment to the location where the aircraft was grounded.
Because we are the OEM, we can provide certification immediately, which allows materials to be accepted without delay. It’s also worth noting that gasket materials have a finite life expectancy dependant on grade and method of storage— shelf life needs to be considered, particularly in critical applications like this.
In this case, the issue was not material performance, but whether it remained within its usable life. Gasket materials containing elastomers are subject to natural ageing, and while materials like KLINGERSIL® C-4430 can typically be stored for extended periods under controlled conditions, shelf life remains a key consideration in inspection and maintenance. Once that limit is exceeded, replacement is required regardless of the original specification.
For more detail on storage conditions and recommended shelf life, you can download the KLINGER Compressed Fibre & Rubber Products shelf life guide.
