From our experience we see the figure as high as 80% of records reviews are taking place remotely by those consultants representing the aircraft owner/lessor at EOL. The advancements in digital records coupled with internet speeds for downloads, OCR searches of PDF’s and online meeting technology means that the process operates quite well.
The additional benefit for the lessor is in terms of a cost reduction whereby there is an obvious saving with flights, hotels, car hire and per diem expenses.
Effective communication and clear accountability are the two words that enhance the process. In our opinion the technical records consultant can best execute these by having a well controlled open item list (OIL), and where possible a means of indicating the OIL “history” by this we mean who updated the sheet and when. The OIL becomes central in managing the transition risk and documenting any commercial implications or potential delays.
One of the challenges that we see with remote working is applying that “stakeholder” feeling so in other words making sure that the remote working consultant is constantly made aware of the importance of their role in ensuring an on-time re-delivery off-lease or delivery of the aircraft on-lease.
Daily or weekly reports in terms of updating the lessor with OIL closure rate and an update on potential high-cost issues should be a regular occurrence.
The positive relationship with the on-site “physical” consultant is also important, there will be times when “box diving” is required to locate hard copies and it is worth noting that at Technical Acceptance the physical consultant will be responsible for adding the EOL work pack and associated records to the Hard Copy inventory.
If you are representing the airline or the lessor on the re-delivery, the IALTA Technical Lease Training Programme covers the records review process from AD/SB review, components clearance, Engines & Landing Gear life-limit-part (LLP) and Back-to-Birth (BTB) reviews, Structure repair files and Dent & Buckle reviews.
Finally, in our opinion the future of reviews will be complemented by AI, learning the fundamentals of aircraft technical records will allow you create the prompts and agents to improve the process and reduce the time on ground at EOL.