Aircraft maintenance is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and reliability of commercial and private planes. Maintenance checks are an essential process of keeping an aircraft functioning correctly to maintain its safety, airworthiness, and economic value.
Aircraft maintenance checks are performed on different schedules to
inspect and maintain different systems and components within the aircraft. In general, there are two types of maintenance checks: routine and non-routine. Routine maintenance checks are systematic and scheduled checks that are performed after a specific number of flight hours or flight cycles. Non-routine maintenance checks, on the other hand, are unscheduled and typically performed in response to a problem or malfunction identified during a routine check or in-flight observation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates specific maintenance checks to ensure an aircraft's airworthiness. The required checks, which vary according to the type of aircraft and manufacturer, are classified into three levels: A, B, and C. Level A checks, also known as daily checks, are performed before each flight and involve a visual
inspection of the aircraft's exterior, landing gear, engines, and systems. Level B checks, also known as intermediate checks, require more in-depth
inspection and maintenance to be performed after a set number of flight hours or cycles. Level C checks, also known as major checks, are the most comprehensive maintenance checks that require aircraft downtime for a thorough
inspection and maintenance of all aircraft systems, including structural, hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical components.
During an
Aircraft maintenance check, mechanics perform a detailed examination of all required components and systems to ensure they are functioning correctly. Depending on the aircraft's type and size, the maintenance check can take a few hours to several days to complete. The examination process includes
inspection, tests, and
replacement of worn or damaged parts,
cleaning and lubrication of machinery, and adjustment or
calibration of the aircraft systems to meet the required standards.
In summary, maintenance checks in
Aircraft maintenance are an essential aspect of keeping an aircraft in good condition and airworthy. These checks help to identify and correct aircraft defects, minimize the risk of in-flight issues, and reduce the significant costs of unscheduled repairs and downtime. Therefore, proper maintenance checks are vital to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft, which is the most critical factor in aviation.
Aircraft Maintenance