Aircraft Records & Component Type / Requirements for Lease Return.
The aircraft is comprised of many components and maintaining the serviceability of the components on an ongoing basis is carried out with an approved maintenance plan. While this plan will maintain airworthiness for the aircraft – a lease can be a little more restrictive.
The lease does not typically state each and very component along with return conditions – instead, the components are often “grouped” into one of the following types:
On Condition – There are specific maintenance tasks associated with the component, it must pass this predefined test or inspection to remain in service.
Condition Monitored – This component may be changed during routine inspections, defect trouble shooting or as part of an operator’s reliability program, it remains until it fails or is found to be at fault.
Hard Time items – The item has a defined life in service and at this limit a defined action will be required such as overhaul or bench testing. (Life can be measured in Flight Hours, Cycles, or calendar days)
Life Limited Parts or Safe Life Items – Has a defined life and when it reaches that limit it is destroyed and cannot be used further.
What then happens is that for each component type there is then criteria for the return conditions; in some cases, there will be specific criteria and in others such as On Condition or Condition Monitored (OCCM) a general ruling is usually applied.
Typically for each item on the OCCM list you will need an installation certificate (EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130) normally as defined in the lease agreement; this is typically for all components installed within the last 36 months.
Dependent upon the lease you may or may not also require installation record or the Certificate to Release of Service (CRS) for each OCCM item changed.
An additional point to note is the condition of the component fitted; the lease may state conditions of a replacement part such as:
must be “like for like or better”:
Of equal value and utility
Same or later standard and modification status
Same age or better
FH/FC <= 110% or 120% of that of the airframe
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