Acquiring the right aircraft engine stands is a crucial decision for maintenance operations, balancing safety with financial planning. The choice between a long-term purchase and a flexible lease can directly affect your workflow and budget. This guide walks you through the key considerations. Find out how to make the best choice for your needs.

Why Choose Aircraft Engine Stands?

As a critical component of ground support equipment, aircraft engine stands are precisely engineered to handle, maintain, and service high-value engines securely. Their primary purpose: ensuring the safety of both the engine and the technicians. By offering a stable platform, these stands improve efficiency for inspections, repairs, and overhauls. They also provide superior access, allowing engineers to execute complex tasks with precision and confidence—a crucial factor in an aircraft’s overall performance and airworthiness.

How to Buy or Lease Aircraft Engine Stands

Engine stands can be acquired through two main options: outright purchase or leasing for a specific term. For many—including airlines, Mrs, and freight forwarders—leasing offers a flexible, cost-effective approach, providing access to a diverse range of stands without a major upfront investment. Specialized companies offer global leasing services with equipment built to strict OEM specifications and fully approved by engine manufacturers, ensuring both compatibility and safety. If purchasing is your goal, the most direct route is to contact suppliers.

Step 1 — Inquire About Your Needs

Begin by defining your exact requirements. Providing complete details upfront allows the provider to quickly verify availability and create a tailored proposal. Key details include:

• The specific engine model, which determines the stand’s configuration and necessary adapter kits.
• Your desired delivery location.
• The required lease duration.
• The delivery timeframe.

Step 2 — Get a Quote

With your requirements outlined, the next step is requesting a formal quote. A reputable supplier will use your provided details—engine model, location, and transaction type—to generate a comprehensive proposal. This document outlines all costs, terms, and conditions for complete transparency. A customized quote ensures competitive, clear pricing, whether you’re facing a short-term AOG situation or planning a long-term maintenance project.

Step 3 — Confirm Delivery

Once the quote is approved, the final step is confirming delivery logistics. Reputable providers offer the flexibility to either arrange your own transportation or use their logistics network. Opting for their complete service simplifies the entire process, as they handle all shipping details to ensure your engine stand arrives on schedule and ready for immediate use.

Key Features of Aircraft Engine Stands

When evaluating engine stands, prioritize OEM-certified models, which ensure a perfect fit and strict adherence to safety protocols. Key features to look for include:

• Durable construction for stability during maintenance, transport, and storage.
• Casters for mobility within a facility.
• Tow bars for ground transportation.
• Optimal access for technicians to all parts of the engine.

Additional Services Offered

Leading providers often offer services beyond basic leasing or sales, providing a suite of services to support your entire operational lifecycle. These commonly include:

• Worldwide shipment, including logistics and customs clearance.
• Secure storage facilities for inactive stands.
• Full insurance coverage.
• Comprehensive maintenance and repair programs.

Maintenance and Repair Services

Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliability of engine stands. Comprehensive maintenance programs help reduce operational downtime and typically includes:

• Routine inspections.
• Lubrication of moving parts.
• Preventive measures to avoid unexpected failures.
• Prompt repairs for any damage or wear.

Understanding Shipping Costs

Several key factors influence shipping costs for engine stands. The primary determinants are size and weight; for example, a stand for a CFM56-7B engine can weigh nearly 4,000 lbs, which significantly affects freight charges.

Safety Features of Engine Stands

Safety is paramount when handling multi-million-dollar aircraft engines. To protect both the valuable asset and the personnel, quality stands include essential safety features, such as:

• Strong frames with safety locks to prevent accidental disengagement.
• Shock-absorbing mounts to dampen vibrations during transport.
• Locking casters to keep the stand stationary during maintenance.
• Ergonomic designs with handrails and non-marking bumpers to reduce technician strain.

A dependable engine stand meets its adherence to rigorous aviation standards and OEM specifications, ensuring both load stability and operational efficiency.