Aircraft Tubing and Hose Maintenance Standards
Tubing and Hose Types
Rigid tubing: Stationary, straight runs.
Flexible hose: Used for movement and vibration.
Examples: Fuel, oil, hydraulic, oxygen, and instrument lines.
Tubing vs. Hose Measurement
Tubing: Measured by Outside Diameter (OD).
Hose: Measured by Inside Diameter (ID).
Size units: 1/16 inch increments.
- #6 = 6/16 = 3/8"
- #8 = 8/16 = 1/2"
Materials
Aluminum
- Low/medium pressure
- ~1000–1500 psi
Steel (CRES)
- High pressure
- 3000+ psi
Titanium
- Stronger and lighter
❌ Never use in oxygen systems due to combustion risk.
Fabricating Tubing
- Cut
- Deburr
- Bend
- Flare
- Bead
Cutting Procedures
Use a tubing cutter.
- Tighten lightly
- Rotate
- Tighten gradually
❌ Warning: Too tight will deform the tube.
Deburring
Removes internal burrs to:
- Prevent flow restriction
- Prevent flare cracking
Use...