Aircraft Maintenance Intervals

Maintenance Intervals and Changes

• Changes to maintenance intervals may be made by the operator based on in-service experience, but require sufficient data and regulatory concurrence.
• Maintenance is a dynamic process that can be impacted by the age of the aircraft, potentially triggering additional activities.

Environmental Factors and Maintenance

• Operating in dry climates versus humid climates affects maintenance check intervals, with tasks like corrosion control requiring more frequent performance in humid environments.
• Conversely, operating in dry, desert climates typically reduces the frequency of such tasks.

Operator-Specific Needs and Maintenance

• Maintenance check intervals may be varied based on the specific needs of the Operator and the role of the aircraft.

Limit of Validity (LOV)

• Represents an operational limit based on fatigue evidence that supports the maintenance program
• Defined by the FAA as the period of time up to which it has been demonstrated that Widespread Fatigue Damage (WFD) will not occur in the airplane structure
• Measured in flight cycles, flight hours, or both
• Based on test evidence, analysis, service experience, and teardown inspections
• Marks the structural life of an airplane at which there is significantly increased risk of uncertainties in structural performance and probable development of WFD
• Airworthiness limitations containing the LOV must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• An aircraft may not operate beyond the LOV

Learn about the dynamic process of maintenance in aircraft, including changes to maintenance intervals based on in-service experience and environmental factors that affect maintenance check intervals.