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PLRD-83-69 1 (1983-04-22)

handle is hein.gao/gaobabmxv0001 and id is 1 raw text is: --A UNITED STATES GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20548 A tM m RZAD DIVSON -c APRIL 22. 1983 B-207202 The Honorable Verne Orr il The Secretary of the Air Force 121223 Dear Mr. Secretary: Subject: Savings Can Be Made By Using Compressed Air When Testing Aircraft For Fuel Leaks (GAO/PLRD-83-69) In July 1982 we reported to the Congress the results of our review of Deqartment of Defense aircraft engine thrust/power management. / In that review, we found that large amounts of aviation fuel could be saved if compressed air in lieu of engine runups were used to check for fuel leaks whenexternal fuel tanks were attached to Tactical Air Command (TAC) F-4 aircraft. Because the needed air compressors were not authorized for TAC's F-4 air wings, compressed air tests could not be made even though they were authorized. Navy maintenance practices for F-4 aircraft fuel leak tests require the use of compressed air whenever possible. At our request, TAC evaluated the compressed air testing procedure and found that it would save $668,750 in fuel annually. TAC's evaluation also showed that using compressed air takes significantly less time, reduces the amount of labor needed, and reduces the risk of foreign object damage to other aircraft in the vicinity. TAC has informed other Air Force commands that operate F-4 aircraft of these results. As a result, compressors have been authorized for all TAC F-4 aircraft maintenance units. 1/Aircraft Thrust/Power Management Can Save Defense Fuel, Reduce Engine Maintenance Costs, and Improve Readiness (GAO/PLRD-82-74, July 29, 1982). (943558) 5 / . I . 4