Every helicopter, commercial or military, needs maintenance as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Repair, servicing, and routine maintenance ensure that the aircraft remains in its best condition and is safe for flying.
Safety measures are crucial, whether you own a fleet or a single aircraft. If you own, operate, or service a helicopter, you are aware of how difficult it is to come up with an annual repair/servicing plan. Since everything is done during one visit, it is easy to have confusion and mishaps on the repair day.
There are common mistakes and safety issues you do not want to fall victim to, especially when replacing commercial and military helicopter parts or seeking repair services for aircraft components. When you avoid the slip-ups below, you do not have to worry about safety problems.
1. Lacking a Proper Plan
It is easy for most people to assume that a functional maintenance and servicing plan is unnecessary because they have good memories.
A maintenance management plan does more than remind you of an upcoming repair or helicopter parts replacement service. It is proof of the day the maintenance was done and which employee did it. In case of any issues, the logs will have the repair and servicing history of the helicopter.
2. Failure to Understand the MRO’s In-House Capabilities
Some MROs do not have everything they need for a repair in-house. Therefore, the company may outsource some services, increasing the aircraft’s downtime. The MRO’s capability is not a determining factor only when you want minor repairs.
However, if you want full servicing and maintenance, it is advisable to do your research to avoid inconveniencing your business.
3. Poor Communication
There should be clear communication between the pilot, owner, and maintenance company during servicing and inspection. The project manager should know what you prefer to make inspection and maintenance straightforward.
It is advisable to ask for photographic evidence of your helicopter’s condition during repair and maintenance if you cannot avail yourself. Additionally, try hiring a maintenance service that has apps. These applications and programs help you check your helicopter’s status online.
4. No Incoming Briefing
A debrief helps save money, time and guarantees safety. You get to know and interact with the team that will perform maintenance, servicing, and helicopter parts replacement. At this point, you also set the communication and expectation standards.
A debrief is an opportunity to get direct reviews from whoever maintains your aircraft. Your repair service provider will also have time to order spare parts in advance and reduce downtime.
5. Not Understanding Current and Future Status of Maintenance
To keep your helicopter in good conditions, minimize expenses, and reduce downtime, you should go through maintenance logs constantly. Keep track of what repairs are due and which ones are overdue. Streamlining repairs and maintenance help reduce further servicing hours.
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