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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Aircraft Reliability – Aircraft Management and Operation

Aircraft Reliability in the Management and Operation or aircraft plays a pivotal role in the management and operation of aircraft as being a mandatory requirement to monitor and consider. Though the scope of a reliability program is often categorized using ATA Chapters, such as the ATA100 group, it’s not solely determined by it.

Reliability management doesn’t operate in isolation, and it requires collaboration with various stakeholders or areas for example. including Powerplant – looking at the engines and APUs, or structures – looking at the structural components of the aircraft. A cohesive strategy necessitates that all areas and stakeholders’ concerns are addressed, and there needs to be seamless flow of information. Reliability is sourced from multiple areas and this needs to be reported in a timely and responsible way. Such procedures and the associated information flow should ideally be documented, most notably in the Continued Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME).

Read More

Aircraft Maintenance – Considerations for Awareness

Aircraft Maintenance and considerations for awareness begins with looking at the aircraft’s design, creation, and ongoing safety are managed through stringent regulations and procedures. At the crux of ensuring an aircraft’s safety post-production is the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP). The AMP’s origin traces back to the aircraft’s design and creation phase.

EASA, the European aviation regulatory body, relies on a series of Certification Specifications (CS) to ensure aircraft safety. CS25, for instance, elaborates on the requirements for “Large Aeroplanes” during their certification process. This document and others like it guide aircraft manufacturers in meeting the necessary criteria for safe design and functionality. CS26, in contrast, discusses Airworthiness Specifications for Operations.

Read More