AVIATION FAQs
Q: Do you supply sample bottles?
We can supply you with oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, debris and SOAP sample kits. Take a look at our Aviation Sample Kits page for further information.
Q: What is a SOAP kit and how can I order them?
A SOAP (Spectrometric Oil Analysis Program) kit generally contains a new filter and some 'O' rings with certificates, an oil sample bottle and a filter container. For the full list of SOAP kits available from Spectro | Jet-Care see our Sample Kit List.
Q: When should I take oil samples from my pieces of equipment?
You should sample at regular equipment operating hours (see your maintenance manual for recommendation) and with oil in circulation, alternatively within 30 minutes after equipment shutdown.
Q: Where should I sample the oil from?
Ideally no deeper than the oil pump pick up. A length of tube passed down through the dip stick hole or similar usually works well, with a plastic bottle or a pump connected to draw up the oil. We need about 50ml of fluid.
Q: How should I send the samples?
Please ensure that you have tightened the lid of the sample bottle properly and that the bottle is packaged suitably. Please do not use Vermiculite (highly absorbent and fire proof fine powder) as it can contaminate the sample.
Supply the following information: company name, aircraft type, aircraft registration, unit type, unit serial number, unit position, unit hours, unit cycles, oil hours, oil brand name and grade, sample date and any operational problems. Then send your sample(s) to us, preferably via courier.
Q: Can my urgent samples (AOG) have priority status?
Our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We understand the operator's pressure associated with AOG (Aircraft on the Ground) status samples, which is why these samples have a laboratory turnaround time of within one hour.
Please click here for further information and details on our AOG service.
Q: Is there a sample collection service?
For Spectro UK: collection services are available on request from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. Samples can also be collected from other nearby airports (London Luton, Southampton, Bournemouth).
For Spectro Switzerland: there is a daily collection service from Basel Airport. France.
For Jet-Care USA, there is a daily collection service from Newark (EWR), Morristown (MMU) and Teterboro (TEB) airports.
During opening hours, our collection service is free of charge.
Q: Have you received my sample?
Every sample is logged into our system on arrival at the laboratory and given a unique identification number. This number follows the sample right through the analysis programme and appears on our report to you.
Q: How do I get my results?
For speed of reporting and quality of reading we prefer to email results as a PDF file rather than fax or post. You can specify how you want to receive your results when sending us the sample.
You can also view your analysis results through our online resource, webECHO™ allowing you to manage your equipment and access your latest trends and results in a single integrated portal. To find out more click here.
Q: How long does it take to get the results to me?
All samples, excluding fuels, are analysed and results reported within 2 working days. Due to incubation time, fuel samples are on a 5-day turnaround.
Our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need an analysis on an AOG basis, click here for information on our urgent sample analysis service.
Q: How will I know if the unit has a problem and what action should I take?
A detailed analysis report is sent to you every time you send us a sample. Recommendations and previous oil data (if any) are included in the report. If you require more information our analysts will be happy to help you. If your sample is in alert you should contact your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Q: Can I ask for technical advice in interpreting the results received?
If there are any results you do not understand, our technical advisers would be happy to explain these to you. Please contact us via our enquiry form or by telephone.
Q: What types of aviation engines does Spectro | Jet-Care specialise in?
We can monitor any fixed-wing piston, turboprop or turbofan engine and associated oil wetted equipment as well as any rotorcraft piston, turboshaft, main and tail rotor gearboxes. Fixed-wing aircraft covers everything from a Spitfire Rolls Royce Merlin up to the latest GP7200 Turbofan fitted to the Airbus A380.
Q: Do you have quality assurance accreditation?
All of our laboratories hold ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. For further information and to view our Certificates and Schedules of Accreditation click here.
Q: What is engine performance monitoring?
The Jet-Care Gas Path Analysis (GPA) program is the proven method for engine performance monitoring and targets the detection of engine core deterioration. We have over 43 years experience in providing fully independent, engine condition trend monitoring programs covering the widest range of engines. To find out more click here.