Aircraft Maintenance Intervals

Study Notes

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

Description

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.