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In overall economic terms, the benefits of APU operation are not just confined to fuel usage. The hourly maintenance costs of an APU are cheaper than the aircraft powerplant, so reducing ground running time on the engines can significantly reduce the operating costs.
4.7 AERODYNAMIC DETERIORATION
Some of the most severe penalties in terms of fuel consumption are caused by increased drag resulting from poor airframe condition. Normal aerodynamic deterioration of an aircraft over a period of time can include the incomplete retraction of moving surfaces, damaged seals on control surfaces, skin roughness and deformation due to bird strikes or damage caused by ground vehicles, chipped paint, mismatched doors and excessive gaps. Each deterioration incurs a drag increase, and this increased drag is accompanied by increased fuel consumption.
This subject is covered fully in the brochure “Getting Hands-On Experience with Aerodynamic Deterioration”.
The following table gives the highest deterioration effect in each category for the three aircraft families as increased sector fuel consumption in Kg, based on typical utilization figures.
Category
Condition
A300/310
A320 Family
A330/340
Misrigging
Slat 15mm
90
60
270
Absence of Seals
Flap (chordwise)
30
14
90
Missing Part (CDL)
Access Door
50
13
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