A major maintenance event can be costly and take longer than planned. Listed below are seven steps which will save money and help ensure on-time aircraft delivery.
- Start Early
To avoid hiccups, surprises and potential scheduling issues of a major maintenance event, start planning at least one year in advance of inspection date. Planning early will avoid issues and delays. It will also lower stress levels for the Director of Maintenance and maintenance shop personnel.
- Upcoming Maintenance Research
Other than Identifying the Major Maintenance event from maintenance tracking program, (such as a 6-8 year or 9600-hour inspection) and other items due at that time, also generate due list projected for six months beyond the upcoming inspection. This will provide an option to have those items accomplished as well, while at the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Also, generate duelist for difficult-to-access components projected 1-2 years beyond major inspection. It may be worth replacing some components early while certain areas of aircraft are accessed. This is also the time to consider any modifications to be accomplished as well.
- Contact OEM FSR
Contact Aircraft Manufacturer Field Service Representative (FSR) regarding upcoming inspection. The FSR will provide relevant information regarding service letters/service bulletins and/or manufacturer programs to consider.
- Contact MRO Technical Personnel
Contact Maintenance Facility Technical Personnel regarding the upcoming inspection. They will provide insight of aircraft downtime and what to expect during the inspection such as squawks and discrepancies, as well as potential repairs or relevant upgrades. They will also be aware of any hard-to-acquire components that could extend aircraft downtime.
- Request Proposals
Gather all Aircraft Information for an upcoming maintenance event. Contact MRO Sales Reps from 3-4 reputable MRO’s. They will be more than happy for the opportunity to provide a proposal.
- Review Proposals and Negotiate
Compare received proposals. Reach out to each MRO Sales Rep to discuss fees. Investigate possible incentives that may be offered such as reduced shop rates, or provided fuel for the trip to/from MRO.
- Choose MRO
Choose the MRO and inform them they have won the business. Assure aircraft is scheduled. Visit maintenance facility and connect with technical personnel prior to a maintenance event. Be on-site as much as possible during maintenance event to monitor progress until aircraft delivery.
Short and sweet. Good luck on your next Business Aircraft Maintenance Event!
