Lease Transition – APU Condition / Implication Considerations

The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) of an aircraft regarding lease transition conditions functions similarly to an engine and the APU also has its independent monitoring system. The APU’s operational hours and start-ups (cycles) are tracked distinctly, unrelated to the aircraft’s hours or cycles.

Typically, the hours are lower than the cycles for an APU as it is started when ready for flight or on engine shutdown and not commonly run for long periods of time.

Also on the APU are various individual components such a generator or starter, the APU might also include Life Limited Parts (LLPs). Its performance is consistently monitored through indicators such as oil consumption, Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGT), and internal inspections using a specialized camera inspection known as a borescope. Depending on these evaluations, the APU might need maintenance off the aircraft, commonly termed a “shop visit.”

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Boeing MPD (Maintenance Planning Data) Document Awareness

The Boeing MPD (Maintenance Planning Data) Document guides aircraft maintenance by outlining tasks, intervals, and important note, awareness of this document is of key importance.

This is an OEM (original Equipment Manufacturer) document for an aircraft manufactured by Boeing, and it is designed to cover the aircraft and aspects that Boeing are responsible for. There are multiple components on any aircraft that are either customised based on operator or complex and instructions for maintenance issued by their respective manufacture, so the OEM MPD is only one consideration for the maintenance.

Different aircraft manufacturers will have their own version of the document or a similar instruction for maintenance; the important aspect is to know that the tasks are required to maintain airworthiness, the aircraft is designed with the tasks defined as a critical part of maintaining the aircraft in a safe condition.

The tasks ensure that any issues from operation or over time are rectified and therefor maintain a managed and lower risk for operation.

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Structural Repairs on Airbus Aircraft: Lease Transition Basic Awareness

Aircraft structural repairs are vital for maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft. When we consider the understanding of structural repairs, we can commonly come across some of the following considerations – note this is example of some conditions only and not by any means a complete detail.

We consider the nature of the repairs; for example, simple repairs could involve evaluating a dent, accompanied by some inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT). Such repairs might have minimal impact on the aircraft’s structure, but we would need to know the repair category and any additional considerations for continued airworthiness.

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An Introduction to Boeing Maintenance Planning Data (MPD)

Boeing Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) – As an introduction we can assume the maintenance planning date, often referred to as the MPD is a pivotal tool for aircraft maintenance regarding tasks to be carried out for an aircraft to remain airworthy.

Some components such as Engines & APU maintenance details might not be fully covered in the MPD as is the case on some customised equipment and so each manufacturer might have their respective instructions to remain airworthy.

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Aircraft Transitions and Leasing – Engines terminology and awareness

Aircraft leasing, particularly in technical lease reviews, entails understanding various terms and concepts vital to the aviation leasing industry.

One of these terms is “Green Time,” associated with engine leases.

A “Green Time” engine is typically older and has a limited remaining life on its key components, often termed as Life Limited Parts (LLP) or Safe Life Items (SLI). Such engines might come from aircraft set to be scrapped and are available at reduced lease rates or even purchase due to their reduced life.

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