6 ms·
Airframes have a limited lifetime, partially defined by takeoffs and landings (and pressurization cycles). Cargo planes experience fewer cycles than passenger a
by geoffeg 11mo ago
Airframes have a limited lifetime, partially defined by takeoffs and landings (and pressurization cycles). Cargo planes experience fewer cycles than passenger airlines since cargo carriers' aircraft usually only make a one or two flights a day, whereas passenger aircraft a flown back to back as frequently as possible. Historically, cargo carriers would buy used aircraft and convert them, but that's changing.
- ferguess_k 11mo agoThanks for the explanation. I'll see if I can find some data on cargo planes.
- fransje26 11mo agoThe gist is correct, but the subtleties are hiding in the details. Wide-body (long-haul) airplanes are generally limited by flying hours since they rarely reach their maximum allowed flight cycles. In contrast, wide-body cargo planes typically fly shorter legs compared to when they are used as passenger carriers. And as a result, they are much more likely to hit their critical cycle limit.
- pacoWebConsult 11mo agoThis particular aircraft was acquired by UPS in 2006 and converted for cargo missions. It was originally delivered as a passenger aircraft to Thai Airways International in 1991. [1] I actually saw this exact aircraft at RDU International in August of this year and took a photo, since tri-engine aircraft in general are not very common these days. [1]: https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/major-incident/ups-md-11-crashes-departing-louisville/ https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/majo...