The Inside Scoop on Preventative Maintenance
In the demanding world of jet aviation, where safety and reliability are paramount, preventative maintenance serves as the foundation 
for successful aircraft operations.
As Nicole Jeffords, VP Maintenance at Global MX emphasizes, “Preventative maintenance is crucial for jet aviation because it helps ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft.” This proactive approach to aircraft care not only maintains the highest safety standards but also delivers significant operational and financial benefits to aircraft operators.
The aviation industry operates under stringent regulatory frameworks that mandate comprehensive maintenance programs. These programs are designed to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into costly failures or safety hazards.
By investing in preventative maintenance, operators can maintain their aircraft in peak condition while avoiding the substantial costs and operational disruptions associated with unexpected breakdowns.
Types of Maintenance
Understanding the different types of maintenance is essential for developing a comprehensive aircraft care strategy. The aviation industry recognizes several distinct maintenance approaches, each serving specific purposes in the overall maintenance ecosystem.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance involves scheduled inspections and services performed at predetermined intervals to prevent equipment failure. As Jeffords notes, “By regularly inspecting and servicing the aircraft, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they become major problems.”
Preventative maintenance is performed based on:
- Flight hours
- Calendar time
- Number of cycles
- Manufacturer recommendations
Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance addresses problems after they occur, focusing on restoring aircraft to serviceable condition. While necessary, this reactive approach often results in higher costs and extended downtime compared to preventative strategies.
Predictive Maintenance
The most advanced form of maintenance, predictive maintenance leverages real-time data analytics and sensor technologies to forecast potential issues before they occur. This approach uses actual measurements and performance data to optimize maintenance scheduling and minimize unnecessary interventions.
Condition-Based Maintenance
This maintenance strategy monitors the actual condition of aircraft components to determine when maintenance should be performed. By assessing real-time performance indicators, technicians can make informed decisions about maintenance timing, potentially extending component life while maintaining safety standards.
Examples of Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance in jet aviation encompasses a wide range of activities, from simple daily checks to comprehensive overhauls. According to FAA regulations and industry best practices, these activities include:
Daily and Pre-Flight Inspections
- Visual inspection of aircraft exterior
- Checking fluid levels (oil, hydraulic fluid, fuel)
- Tire pressure and condition assessment
- Control surface movement verification
Scheduled Maintenance Tasks
As Jeffords explains, “Examples of preventative maintenance for jets include regular inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, and component overhauls.” These scheduled tasks are critical for maintaining aircraft airworthiness:
- Oil Changes: Regular engine oil changes prevent contamination buildup and ensure proper lubrication
- Filter Replacements: Air, fuel, and hydraulic filters require periodic replacement to maintain system efficiency
- Lubrication Services: Proper lubrication of moving parts prevents premature wear and corrosion
- Battery Maintenance: Regular testing and servicing of aircraft batteries ensures reliable electrical system performance
System-Specific Maintenance
Different aircraft systems require specialized preventative maintenance procedures:
- Avionics Systems: Software updates, calibration checks, and component testing
- Landing Gear: Inspection of struts, tires, brakes, and hydraulic systems
- Environmental Control Systems: Filter changes, system checks, and performance verification
- Flight Control Systems: Cable tension checks, control surface rigging, and actuator inspections
Downtime and Scheduling
Effective maintenance scheduling is crucial for minimizing aircraft downtime while ensuring all required maintenance is completed. Jeffords emphasizes this point: “Preventative maintenance can help reduce downtime by addressing issues proactively, minimizing the risk of unexpected failures that could ground the aircraft.”
Strategic Scheduling Considerations
The key to successful maintenance scheduling lies in balancing operational requirements with maintenance needs:
- Maintenance Planning: Coordinating scheduled maintenance events to coincide with periods of lower aircraft utilization
- Parts Availability: Ensuring necessary parts and materials are available before maintenance begins
- Technician Scheduling: Aligning skilled personnel availability with maintenance requirements
- Facility Coordination: Booking appropriate hangar space and equipment for maintenance activities
Minimizing Operational Impact
“Scheduling preventative maintenance during periods of lower aircraft utilization can help minimize the impact on operations,” Jeffords advises. This strategic approach involves planning major maintenance during off-peak seasons, combining multiple maintenance tasks during single downtime events, utilizing overnight maintenance windows for minor inspections, and implementing staggered maintenance schedules for fleet operators.
The Cost of Unplanned Downtime
When preventative maintenance is neglected, the consequences can be severe. According to Jeffords, “We work to keep a plane in the air where it belongs. Preventative maintenance helps maximize flight hours and helps avoid Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations and lost revenue.”
Unplanned maintenance events also often result in missed flights, passenger inconvenience and compensation costs, expedited parts shipping expenses, and overtime labor charges for emergency repairs.
From First Call to RTS: Overview of Preventative Maintenance Process
The preventative maintenance process follows a systematic approach designed to ensure comprehensive aircraft care while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The process begins with a thorough review of an airframe’s maintenance history, manufacturer recommendations, regulatory requirements, operational patterns, and utilization.
“We talk with the customer to gather as much information as possible,” says Jeffords. “Reviewing every customer’s CAMP (Continuous Air Worthiness Maintenance Program) and GMM (General Maintenance Manual) establishes a solid baseline for preventative maintenance.”
With the aircraft onsite, Global MX techs perform a series of inspections. Additional squawks that need attention are noted and a full package is presented to the customer. Once approval to move forward is in-hand, work on the aircraft proceeds.
“We keep in close contact with our customers on a daily basis,” Jeffords says. “Even if it’s just to remind them of the RTS (Return to Service) date and a status update.”
Choose Global MX for Preventative Maintenance
Global MX stands out as a premier choice for jet aviation preventative maintenance, offering a unique combination of expertise, convenience, and comprehensive services.
As an FAA-certified Part 145 repair station, Global MX demonstrates a commitment to the highest industry standards. “Our team of skilled technicians is experienced in working on a wide range of jet aircraft, troubleshooting, and consistently providing the best end result for the customer,” Jeffords says.
“So much goes into the trust our customers grant us. From the experience level of the GMX team and the volume of aircraft that we see to the range of years of aircraft that we service – whether it is to troubleshoot, repair or overhaul – we have the knowledge and expertise for the best outcome.”
One-Stop Maintenance Solution
Global MX‘s comprehensive service offering stands out in the market. “We offer a one-stop solution for all maintenance needs, including inspections, repairs, and modifications,” Jeffords explains.
“By choosing Global MX, aircraft operators can benefit from our expertise, convenient location, and unwavering commitment to quality and safety,” Jeffords concludes. “Global MX is your on-call aircraft maintenance partner.”