Just as cars require regular maintenance to stay in great shape, so do aircraft. Both the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and manufacturers provide airline operators with detailed guidelines regarding the care and maintenance of their aircraft to ensure the safety of people on board and those on the ground. Apart from enhancing safety, proper maintenance extends the lifespan of an aircraft. While getting caught up with customer relations and optimizing profit margins is easy, one thing airlines can’t afford to overlook is maintenance. Following this comprehensive guide will help keep your fleet airworthy and efficient.
- Identity mechanical problems
Staying proactive is a good thing when it comes to commercial aircraft maintenance. The first step in this approach is to learn to troubleshoot and fix mechanical faults before they grow into bigger issues. Pilots don’t have to be experts in avionics to tell if something is amiss with a jet. Abnormal noises during flight, inconsistent power output, and malfunctioning controls are obvious signs of potential dangers. That said, some signs may be subtle. For example, an aircraft may experience slight hesitation during accelerations and issues with altitude hold. Whatever the situation is, trusted aviation mechanics can come in handy to provide invaluable maintenance services. Working with these skilled professionals is important since they are well-trained to diagnose aircraft issues operators and managers may overlook. It may be a straightforward problem like an oil leak or a complex case like a faulty avionics system. Once you discover potential issues, document them carefully, as it helps mechanics get a full picture of the situation before they start work. Remember that early identification and repair of mechanical faults don’t only save money but precious human lives.
- Have a good hangar
The aircraft hangar serves as the hub for routine maintenance operations. It’s more than a storage facility for your fleet; a hangar is a controlled space specially built for intricate tasks requiring precision. Therefore, airlines must pay attention to the design or layout. Provide advanced equipment for maintenance and ensure there is enough space for technicians to move around, especially when they have to perform tasks that require them to access the aircraft’s underbelly or wings. Aviation specialists can help you find the right equipment for your flight department, hangar, and airline operations. For instance, ground support equipment like Tronair tripod jacks are must-haves for any maintenance facility, so keep this in mind.
- Adhere to manufacturer recommendations
As explained earlier, aircraft manufacturing companies provide instructions and guidelines for the maintenance of their models. Therefore, airlines must follow these recommendations, ensuring they comply with warranty and optimal performance requirements; this is the core duty of a pilot’s designated mechanic. Manufacturers usually recommend that airlines install replacement parts correctly and only use approved components. Additionally, you must keep a log of each maintenance activity, meet all maintenance goals, and document the manufacturer’s requirements. Maintenance records documentation is important for insurance purposes. Along with this, pilots should undertake recurrent training programs to stay up-to-date with new aviation laws, regulations, and other industry matters.
