Recently, Cranwell’s Wheel and Tyre Bay at serviced its 2,000th aircraft wheel, a major milestone that reflects years of dedication, precision, and teamwork.
At Affinity, aircraft wheels go through a rigorous servicing process before they’re cleared for flight. It’s a job that demands precision, consistency, and deep technical knowledge, and for the past six years, Brynley Morgan has led operations in the Wheel and Tyre Bay, ensuring every wheel is serviced to the highest standard.
Up until July 2025, the bay also supported RAF Valley’s Texan fleet, handling wheel servicing remotely to keep aircraft flying safely and on schedule. With RAF Valley now establishing its own in-house wheel servicing capability, it’s a great step forward, and we look forward to seeing their team thrive as they take on this vital work.
Following the 2,000th wheel milestone, we wanted to dive deeper into what goes on in the Cranwell wheel bay and find out more about the process, the people behind it, and the impact it has on keeping aircraft safe and operational.
Brynley’s Journey
Brynley joined Affinity in 2018, following a 32-year career in the Royal Navy where he served as an Engineering Mechanic and Chief Petty Officer. After leaving the Navy, he continued working in aircraft maintenance before taking on his current role at Affinity. His interest in aviation began through visiting the RAF Museum in Hendon, which inspired him to become an Aircraft Mechanic. He decided to join the Royal Navy and went on to work on aircraft such as the Wessex 5, Sea Kings, and Harriers during his time in the military.
His experience in the Navy laid the foundation for the work he does today, servicing wheels for aircraft at Cranwell with the same level of care and discipline.
What Happens in the Wheel Bay?
Each wheel arrives with a CAMO work order detailing what needs to be done. It might be a routine overhaul, or it could involve issues like a flat spot, a contaminated tyre, or a bearing replacement. Brynley inspects, disassembles, and services each wheel, ensuring it’s safe and ready to return to the aircraft.
Aircraft wheels are the first and last part of the aircraft to touch the ground, and they endure extreme conditions, high speeds, heavy loads, and rapid temperature changes. The servicing process is essential to flight safety, and Brynley’s attention to detail ensures every wheel meets the required standard.
Proudest Moment
One standout moment from the wheel bay for Bryn came in June 2023, when a sudden increase in demand for aircraft wheels required swift action. Brynley and a colleague rose to the challenge, servicing 12 wheels in just one week!
This milestone reflects more than just numbers, it’s a demonstration of the technical excellence, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to safety that keeps our aircraft flying safely every day.