On a normal aircraft redelivery or at an early lease termination the importance of receiving a certified status list from the airline CAMO or Quality Assurance department ( for non EASA) is critically important when performing the technical records review. The certified and dated list is the benchmark or “hard point” DATE that allows the reviewer record the Open Item List (OIL) findings and build the records folders with the compliant documents.
During a lease transition or during a period when an aircraft may be stored by a lessor / airline there may be a time that flight is required, and the aircraft is not currently meeting the airworthiness requirements; for example, there may be overdue maintenance.
Under certain circumstances we can still operate the aircraft for flight and in this case, we would look to use something called a “Permit to Fly” or “PtF”.
Such an option is only possible when the aircraft is deemed to be capable of “safe flight” and can be operated under certain conditions which can be restrictive, so important to be aware of.
Repairs are categorised into minor and major based on their impact or potential impact on the aircraft.
The determination of this should be noted on any repair carried out and it is especially important for non-OEM repairs to check this.
EASA consider a Minor repair as one that has no appreciative effect on the following:
The Technical Log is used for day-to-day operations and may be paper based as shown below or electronic on a tablet. Either is acceptable when performing a technical records review at the end of lease.
Technical Logs can be used to check non routine maintenance such as damage evaluations / repairs, modifications or any components replaced as a result of a defect. Note that any changes should also be reflected by the STATUS REPORT for the aircraft.
With a change of modification on the aircraft can come a change in maintenance requirements and so this is important to verify.
Mid-Lease Inspections to verify aircraft modifications and capability would often involve looking at the following items;
ACARS – Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System – Confirm ACARS capability by reviewing FCOM (Flt Crew Ops Manual; if power is available, verify through MCDU (multifunction Control Display Unit) by checking for datalink printer; annotate the P/N into your checklist and report.