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Knowledge Box
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Frequently Asked Questions

Analysis and Results Information

  • 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.
     

  • The shipping label says USPS, however I thought I was shipping FedEx. Which tracking number do I record for shipping via FedEx?

    Metal Check test kits shipped via our new Shipping Program can be shipped via FedEx/Smart Post or USPS. Both have partnered to offer our customers the convenience of USPS many drop-point locations and the power and speed of FedEx's network. It is this powerful combination that enables Aviation Laboratories to ensure faster turnaround of your analysis results.

    If shipping via USPS drop box or center, record the first tracking number beginning with 420 56950 91. Only the last 20 digits are required for tracking your shipment, as these digits are unique to your shipment. If shipping via FedEx drop box, pick up service or center, record the second tracking number beginning with 9611918 3106815. Only the last 15 digits are required for tracking your shipment, as these digits are unique to your shipment.
     

  • How long does it take to get the results to me?

    Oil and filter samples are analyzed and reported within 24-48 hours. Due to incubation time, fuel and hydraulic fluid samples are on a 48-72 hour turnaround. If there are problematic results which indicate that immediate action may be required, we will contact you by telephone to discuss these with you.
     

  • Why is it taking so long to receive my results? I mailed my sample over a month ago.

    We apologize for the inconvenience. However, we have identified our old mailing system as inefficient and problematic for delivering the type of service we know our customers deserve, thus we have adopted a new mailing program via FedEx Shipping Solutions, which allows for faster, trackable test kits. Deliveries via this new method are scheduled to arrive at our lab between 5-7 business days. Unfortunately, samples mailed via the previous postal mailing program are not trackable and may be delayed in their system. Please contact our lab at 504-469-6751 Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm CST or via email at [email protected] to determine the status of your delivery.

    For future samples, purchase GA-001-SP kits, which include the FedEx Shipping Solution for faster, trackable test kits or you can upgrade your existing inventory (Metal Check Test Kits) at no additional cost for a limited time only.
     

  • How do I get my results?

    For speed of reporting and quality of reading we prefer to email results rather than fax or post. You can specify how you want to receive the results when sending us the sample. For your convenience, you may also go to AvResults 24/7 to retrieve your lab results.
     

  • When I printed my Oil Analysis Report on a color printer everything printed in color EXCEPT for the Green, Yellow and Red colors on the ALARM Meter and the colors surrounding the actual analysis figures. Why is this?

    Quite frequently the difficulty you are experiencing comes from a printer setting on the customer's printer. Many printers are set up to allow (or disallow) background printing. The purpose for this is to prevent unnecessary printing of background colors that may use a LOT of color ink.

    In Internet Explorer 9, the steps are:
    1) Go to Tools;
    2) Click on Print;
    3) Click on Page Setup;
    4) Click on the check box that says "Print Background Colors and Images"

    For other browsers, simply go to your printer properties and check (or uncheck) the box related to background colors.
     

  • 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).
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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).
     

  • Does Aviation Laboratories test for Chlorinated Solvents?

    We do NOT test for Chlorinated Solvents. We can, however, test for total chlorine, but NOT chlorinated solvents. Because the chemical form of chlorine and its relation to harmful effects in the hydraulic fluid (i.e., chloride ions versus organic chloro-compounds versus total chlorine in all forms), it is generally agreed that total chlorine content should be measured and controlled.
     

  • Is my return “sample” of jet fuel in the FTK Kit a Hazmat item, and if so, how should I send it to your lab?

    Yes, your FTK Kit is a Hazmat item. Please refer to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the type of fuel you are returning for all regulated information on storage, transportation, etc. The fuel sample you are returning in the FTK kit is considered a "Dangerous Goods" shipment. Regulations require that your shipment be shipped by a certified dangerous goods shipper. A good source to locate a certified dangerous goods or hazmat shipper is either via your local yellow pages or via the internet to find locations nearest you. Your mechanic may be a resource as well. More importantly, it is the responsibility of the shipper of the FTK kit containing the jet fuel to make proper shipping arrangements and to seek and identify a local certified shipper to handle the shipment of "hazmat" fuel samples to our lab.
     

  • Why do I need a “Certified Shipper”? Can’t I just ship it back to your lab without identifying it as “hazmat or dangerous goods”?

    Certified Shippers of dangerous goods or hazmat items are professionally trained and certified to the latest revisions of the different modes of transport. These include the regulations of 49 CFR parts 100-185 for all domestic ground transport. When shipping via Air transport, please refer to the IATA regulations. When shipping via Ocean or Rail transport, please refer to the IMDG regulations. It is advised that you do not proceed with shipping “hazmat or dangerous goods” without the professional handling/services of a certified shipper. Governing agencies such as the DOT or the FAA can impose severe and hefty fines for nonconforming shippers.
     

  • How should I send the samples?

    Please ensure that you have tightened the lid of the sample bottle properly. Enclose the sample bottle in the plastic bag provided, and put the sample into the kit box, along with the Customer Information Form (CIF). We do a rigorous statistical analysis of your sample data, but to do that we need some information about the oil sample and the equipment it came out of. The Customer Information Form (CIF) included with each kit has space for all the information we need, so please fill out the Customer Information Form completely and include it with the sample when you send the kit back to us.

    Place the return USPS/FedEx Smart Post label onto the outside of the kit box and ship via USPS or FedEX.

    If shipping via USPS drop box or center, record the first tracking number beginning with 420 56950 91. Only the last 20 digits are required for tracking your shipment, as these digits are unique to your shipment. If shipping via FedEx drop box, pick up service or center, record the second tracking number beginning with 9611918 3106815. Only the last 15 digits are required for tracking your shipment, as these digits are unique to your shipment.

    Metal Check test kits shipped via our new Shipping Program can be shipped via FedEx or USPS. Both have partnered to offer our customers the convenience of USPS many drop-point locations and the power and speed of FedEx's network. It is this powerful combination that enables Aviation Laboratories to ensure faster turnaround of your analysis results.
    DO NOT FORGET TO RECORD YOUR TRACKING NUMBER!!
     

  • Do you supply sample bottles?

    We can supply you with Aviation Laboratories oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, filter, and debris kits, which include everything needed to take a sample.
     

  • Can I ask for technical advice in interpreting the results received?

    If there are any results you do not understand, you may learn more by referencing Analysis Explanation or by visiting Technical Data/Docucuments in our KnowledgeBox for more analysis information. If you still require assistance, our technical advisers would be happy to assist you. They can be reached by email at [email protected] or telephone, 504-469-6751 Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm CST.
     

  • Can my urgent (AOG) samples have priority status?

    Our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. AOG telephone numbers are 504-469-6751 Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm CST or 504-417-2793 after normal business hours or on weekends. AOG and Rush analysis is provided for an additional cost.
     

  • What types of aviation engines does Aviation Laboratories specialize in?

    Aviation Laboratories 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.
     

  • Ordering/Payments

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express via our web site. We also accept payments on AvLab Account.
     

  • Can I place my order over the phone?

    Yes, feel free to call us at (800) 256-6876 to place an order.
     

  • How can I make changes to my order?

    All requests to change or cancel an order should be made immediately via email at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-256-6876 or 713-864-6677. Change/Cancel requests made during normal business hours (8 AM – 5 PM) will be answered as soon as possible.
    Please double check your orders before submitting them.
     

  • Do you sell products that aren't listed online?

    Our full product line is listed online. If there is a particular product that you are interested in contact us and we'll look into special ordering it for you.
     

  • Return Policy

  • What is Aviation Laboratories's Return Policy?

    In the event you are not pleased with your purchase or you receive damaged merchandise or missing parts, we will be more than happy to accept your return. Please note our following policy regarding returns:

    Aviation Laboratories accepts merchandise/product returns within 30 days after shipment for a full refund of the purchase price.

    All "returns" must be authorized, unopened, unused, require a RMA# prior to return and are subject to up to 25% re-stocking fee. All original documentation must also be returned to be valid.

    Please open and examine all packages upon receipt and notify us as soon as possible of any shipping damage or missing parts. All claims for damage, errors, or shortages in the merchandise delivered must be made within 48 hours from delivery of the merchandise.

    Please return all products/merchandise in its original packaging. Used products/merchandise may not be returned.

    AVIATION LABORATORIES reserves the right to refuse any return and will return any item that is deemed unacceptable. Absolutely no returns will be accepted after 30 days

    The following additional stipulations apply to all returns:

    Shipping fees are not refundable.

    Customers are responsible for return shipping charges.

    Returned goods may be subject to up to 25% restocking fee.

    Please allow up to 72 hours of receipt of your return, for your refund request to be processed. Upon full inspection of your returned merchandise, an automatic credit to your credit card or AvLab account will be applied within 7-10 business days. Please note some credit card companies may take an additional 2-10 business days for credit to apply.
     

  • Privacy Policy

  • What is Aviation Laboratories's Privacy Poilcy?

    We believe in customer privacy. We will not resell or distribute any customer data, including information that may be collected as a natural by-product of your visit. Go to Private Policy for more information regarding Aviation Laboratories's Private Policy.
     

  • Shipping Information

  • The shipping label says USPS, however I thought I was shipping via FedEx. Which tracking number do I record for shipping via FedEx?

    Metal Check Test kits shipped via our new Shipping Program can be shipped via FedEx/Smart Post or USPS. Both have partnered to offer our customers the convenience of USPS many drop-point locations and the power and speed of FedEx's network. It is this powerful combination that enables Aviation Laboratories to ensure faster turnaround of your analysis results.

    If shipping via USPS drop box or center, record the first tracking number beginning with 420 56950 91. Only the last 20 digits are required for tracking your shipment, as these digits are unique to your shipment. If shipping via FedEx drop box, pick up service or center, record the second tracking number beginning with 9611918 3106815. Only the last 15 digits are required for tracking your shipment, as these digits are unique to your shipment.
     

  • What is Smart Post?

    SmartPost is a shipping program offered by FedEx, which Aviation Laboratories utilizes in order to provide our customers with a convenient returns method for their Metal Check test kits. It's a cost-effective, reliable solution that utilizes the strength of the FedEx network and all public access points of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). In addition, FedEx SmartPost Returns service provides visibility throughout the returns process via FedEx tracking system.
     

  • Other

  • Why should I use Aviation Laboratories over one of your competitors?

    Above all, Aviation Laboratories is a leading provider of state of the art laboratory analysis and results. We allow you access to information in our database that allows you to compare your analysis results to other engine oil results from engines of the same make and model with similar hours. This allows you to not only monitor your engine's trend but how it trends with the other engine results in our database. Furthermore, we offer aviation specific products and services. You can count on us for competitive pricing and fast turnaround on lab results, product orders and customer inquiries. Aviation Laboratories also offers customization of inspection kits for a variety of aircraft types.
     

  • Products

  • Why should I use a PMA filter element?

    PMA filters elements offer a great deal of cost savings. OEM elements have historically been at least twice the price of a PMA element. Additionally, in some cases, you are actually getting a better element with a PMA as it may be better engineered as having been exposed to the rigorous FAA PMA approval process.
     

  • What is the difference between the GA-001-OFRK and the GA-001-OFRK-MORE?

    Part# GA-001-OFRK-MORE kits are exclusive for the use on turbines covered under the MORE program. If the turbine is covered under the MORE program, GA-001-OFRK-MORE kits must be used, and must be purchased through the MORE company. Part# GA-001-OFRK kits are used on non-MORE engines. Both kits offer the same type of lab analysis: Filter debris is rinsed and collected in a sample container. The filter debris, along with the turbine engine oil is analyzed for wear metals and non-metallic substance.
     

  • What is the difference between the AL-HFT-5606 and the AL-HFT-5606-X?

    The 5606-X kit includes the same analysis tests performed on the standard 5606 tests: -Wear Metals -Total Acid Number (TAN) -Particle Count (PC) -Water -Specific Gravity -Viscosity The 5606-X kit includes an additional test for Chlorinated Solvents. This test can identify chlorine content in the hydraulic fluid. Some airframe manufacturers mandate the testing for this particular component, while others do not. For details on which hydraulic fluid test kit is appropriate for your aircraft, please contact the sales department.