Average lifespan?

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24 years 3 months

Posts: 79

Hello,
I just wanted to know that what is an average lifespan of an of a propelared aircraft? Also can any one tell me who operates the oldest propelared aircraft.

cheers

Original post

RE: Average lifespan?

There is no material difference between lifespans of propeller and jet aircraft dependent on the method of propulsion.

The major key lifespan is the number of pressurisation cycles imposed on the fuselage (with turboprops flying almost as high as jets on short sector flights, the pressure differential stresses are very similar).

If you are thinking of the still large numbers of DC3/DC4/DC6 etc. still flying, the first two were unpressurised, and many of the latter are now flown depressurised. Their life depends on wing spar life, economic repair life and the availability of spares.

Re your email question, I've never been to India (flown over it though) flown on Indian Airlines.