Self-Locking Nuts on Aircraft: Ensuring Safety Through Safety Wiring

How can self-locking nuts be used on aircraft?

Self-locking nuts may be used on aircraft provided that...

a. the bolt and nut are safety wired.

Answer:

Self-locking nuts may be used on aircraft provided that the bolt and nut are safety wired.

Self-locking nuts are an important component in aircraft construction and maintenance, as they help secure fasteners in critical areas. However, simply using self-locking nuts may not be enough to ensure their effectiveness in preventing loosening. This is where safety wiring comes into play.

Safety wiring is a method of physically securing the nut and bolt together to prevent them from loosening under various forces, such as vibrations during aircraft operations. By threading a wire through designated holes in the bolt and nut and then twisting or tensioning it, a secure connection is created. This process prevents the self-locking nut from coming loose and helps maintain the integrity of the fastening.

Aviation maintenance personnel rely on safety wiring as an additional safety measure for fasteners, especially in critical areas where the consequences of loosening could be severe. The combination of self-locking nuts and safety wiring provides a redundant and reliable mechanism for preventing unintended loosening, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the aircraft.