How to Get Hose Answers
We are ready to answer your questions from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday.PH: 888-275-3586FX: 330-497-0415Feel free to come visit us just a few minutes from the Akron-Canton Regional Airport.
FAQ
Q: I can make my own hoses; why should I buy manufactured hoses?
A: Though you might be able to physically assemble the components of a hose together, without the technical guidelines from the manufacturer, proper tooling, and test equipment you likely won’t be putting it together as intended. When we inspect field assembled hose, probable failure points are found more often than not. The hoses we fabricate must pass a series of documented inspections and tests. When you purchase a complete hose assembly from us you get all of the proper documentation that the hose has been deemed air worthy. All of the liability for that hose is on the manufacturer's. The manufacturer also extends a warranty for any material found to be defective. Is it worth risking lives to save a few dollars and a little time?
Q: Are certifications supplied with the hoses, and can you provide 8130-3 forms?
A: A Certification of Conformance (C of C) is provided with every order. This states that all hoses have been manufactured to applicable FAA specifications. TSO certification is the standard for Aircraft Hose assemblies but 8130-3 certifications can be provided if required, 8130-3 requirements for hose assemblies can sometimes be based in a lack of understanding of TSO. You can find more about this subject here.
Q: What are the advantages of using integral firesleeve vs the standard orange firesleeve?
A: Integral firesleeve is more compact on the outer diameter and is easier to clean. It is molded permanently to the hose and has molded cuffs that do not absorb fluids like a traditional fire sleeve potentially could. This type of firesleeve does not move, restrict bend radius or pull back on the hose. It is considered the premium firesleeve installed on a hose, although either option has the same fire protection approval.
Q: Are Teflon hoses lifetime of the aircraft?
A: No part lasts forever, including Teflon hoses. While Teflon hose does not have a shelf life this does not mean a Teflon hose never has to be changed. The service life is different per manufacturer, some allow Teflon hose to be installed longer than rubber hose. There are times that an engine manufacturer and an airframe manufacturer may have different requirements on the same aircraft. Sometimes mandatory change outs can be directed by Service Bulletins or AD’s. The bottom line is that there is no such thing as a simple rule that applies to Teflon hose and is applicable to all aircraft. Our suggestion is to check with the aircraft or engine manufacturer or your A&P mechanic to find out what usable life is allowed.
Q: Can you cross reference other manufacturer part numbers?
A: Absolutely! Most Hose part numbers have a logical structure that can be broken down by utilizing the hose manufacturer's catalog information. We have a vast collection of Aircraft Manufacturer part numbers and can usually cross reference your hose part number to our Eaton part number.
Q: What is TSO type C and TSO type D hoses?
A: This Question is in reference to TSO C53a. The basic differences are Type C is rubber hose with firesleeve and the Type D is Teflon Hose with Firesleeve. There are actually 4 types: A, B, C, and D. We have a page dedicated to this subject you can find here. The chart below details what hose products fit what TSO. Note the difference between Firesleeve and no Firesleeve. Also It is important to understand that a hose assembly only meets TSO standards if it has been built by an FAA certified facility and is tagged appropriately.
Q: Do you have hose kits?
A: We do not use standard Hose Kits. Hose Kit Lists are wrong more often than not; whether they are supplied by the Aircraft manufacturer, the engine manufacturer, etc... It is rare that two aircraft have the exact same fluid conveyance systems as these systems affect the tolerance and variance in other systems. We have a page dedicated to this here.
Q: Can you re-use my old fittings?
A: No. We are approved by the FAA to manufacture new hose assemblies and will only be able to use new fittings. We do not hold a repair station certificate.
Q. Can rubber hose lines be replaced by Teflon® hose lines?
A: PTFE hose assemblies are able to replace rubber in many cases. There are multiple factors that need to be considered when switching from a rubber to Teflon hose. The TSO of the replacement hose should meet or exceed the requirements of the existing hose. Bend radius, true inner diameter, abrasion and many other factors also need consideration. We always recommend consulting your mechanic, the engine manufacturer, or airframe manufacturer before changing hose types if you are not sure of all of the characteristics of both the hoses and the application.
Q. When do aircraft hose assemblies need to be exchanged?
A: Some Manufacturers have specific change out requirements for specific hoses. The FAA has issued AD’s (Airworthiness Directives) for hoses relating to specific aircraft. All of these requirements must be taken into consideration when evaluating when hoses need to be changes. The visible condition of a hose assembly is an important indicator, if it is damaged replace it. It is important to know that some types of hose can take a set in their application, anytime you remove a hose assembly that is in use or otherwise bend it you are potentially damaging the internal structure of the hose assembly. If you move it, replace it.
Q. When does a hose assembly need fire protection?
A: If the existing hose had firesleeve, the replacement hose should also have firesleeve. If you replace a firesleeved hose with an unfiresleeved hose then you are changing and downgrading TSO type (your airworthiness certification of the hose), this can also be a safety issue. If your existing hose does not have firesleeve but you would like to have firesleeve installed, in most cases this is acceptable. The purpose of a firesleeve is to guarantee that the hose will not fail and continue to contain fluid for a minimum of 15 minutes at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (if the airplane is on fire), I like to think of it as insurance policy that gives a pilot 15 minutes to get the airplane on the ground safely before the hoses melt and there is no longer anything to contain the fluids they are carrying which obviously in some cases would be adding fuel to a fire.