Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

How to Change an Aircraft's Tires

The tools and specifics of changing aircraft tires vary by the size and type of the aircraft, but essentially the procedure is much like that of changing any other tire; the tire is just larger and is changed more often. Ideally, aircraft tires are changed every 100 landings, but frequently, due to the intense wear on the tire during landing, tires are changed after a single use. Depending on the size of the tire, the process may require a number of people to complete.

Things You'll Need

Hydraulic aircraft lift
Electric drill
Electric drill bits
Manual lift

Instructions

- 1
  Lift the landing gear using the hydraulic lift. The required lift depends on the type of aircraft and the location of the tire. Large passenger planes require a more powerful lift than small private ones. For smaller planes and those with the landing gear under the wing, lifts can be used to raise the plane or wing instead of lifting from under the tire.
- 2
  Remove the bolts and nuts holding the tire in place. Like the tires on a car, those on a plane are bolted into place. Use the drill, with an appropriate bit, to remove the bolts that mount the tire onto the landing gear. The exact procedure to detach the tire depends on the type of aircraft and tires being used.
- 3
  Remove the tire. Depending on the size of the wheel, you may need to have another person, or use a manual lift, to push and steady the tire as you remove it. If using a manual lift, pivot the end to reach the tire and lower it until you can roll the tire away.
- 4
  Position the new tire in place on the landing gear. Again, depending on the size, you might need a manual lift and a helper. Push the tire so that the axle of the gear is in place.
- 5
  Bolt the tire on. Use the drill to make sure all connections between the landing gear and the tire are securely tightened.
- 6
  Lower the hydraulic lift and remove it from the area of the plane.

Aviation