Airliner Take-Apart Yard

In the picture

1. 1The detached turbofan engine rests in a steel cradle.
2. 2The yellow landing gear assembly stands on a wheeled rack.
3. 3The cockpit instrument panel and avionics boxes sit in padded trays inside the open bay.
4. 4A crane holds the cut fuselage section above a stack of flattened aluminium sheets.

Examples

• An old bus is stripped for reusable seats, alternators, and wheels before its shell is scrapped.
• A broken bicycle is taken apart so its wheels, brakes, and gears can be used again.

Quiz: Airliner Take-Apart Yard (Age 12)

1. 1

   Why are engines, instruments, and landing gear removed from a retired airliner before the rest is scrapped?

   • They are valuable parts that can be saved and used again while the airframe is recycled.
   • They are too dangerous to recycle together with the airframe metal.
   • They are removed only to make the airframe easier to tow to the yard.
2. 2

   What usually happens to the metal airframe after the reusable parts are taken off?

   • It is cut into pieces and sent for recycling.
   • It is repaired and returned to passenger service.
   • It is kept whole as a spare aircraft for emergencies.
3. 3

   What is the main order of work in an airliner take-apart yard?

   • Reusable parts are taken off first, and then the remaining airframe is cut up for recycling.
   • The whole airframe is cut up first, and reusable parts are sorted out afterward.
   • Only the engines are saved, while instruments and landing gear are scrapped with the body.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.