Common Records Findings Operators Need to Know During Aircraft Delivery & Redelivery

Today, 53% of the global fleet comprises leased aircraft, a number expected to increase. Asset delivery and redelivery, including its complexities, thus pose a major challenge for operators. The process of aircraft delivery and redelivery, especially records review, is lengthy and costly and often underestimated.?

Why Records Should Matter for Operators during Redelivery?

Lease agreements enforce stringent record-keeping, as records hold a significant influence on asset value. Furthermore, complete and accurate records are also integral in order to comply to existing regulatory standards and ensure continued airworthiness.?

Yet, records may be overlooked during regular operations, leading to significant transition issues for operators. Such lapses can cause penalties and necessitate costly audits and record reconstruction.

Let’s take a closer look at some statistics on redelivery

According to the IBA Redelivery Survey 2023, airlines typically begin transition preparations 6-12 months before handovers. Per the same survey, 27% of respondents identified records' completeness and accuracy as the top challenges for timely, on-budget asset redelivery, surpassing issues with engines and material lead times.

To mitigate the risks of delay and unwanted financial ramifications, being well prepared and well informed is crucial. The TBM Aviation team has completed numerous of these records audits during delivery and redelivery.

Here are some of the common records findings according to our experts:

• Utilization Recording Discrepancies: Missing or uncorrected utilization recordings significantly compromise the historical accuracy of the aircraft's technical log.
• Time Gaps between Maintenance Programs: There is a notable time gap between the manufacturing and the operator maintenance programs in LDNDs.
• AD/SB Compliance Issues: Instances where the part number (PN) listed on the task card does not match the PN of the component currently installed.
• Lack of Traceability: No traceability found in supporting documents, critical for back-to-back (B2B) traceability, particularly with life-limited parts (LLPs) or landing gear records.
• Missing Supporting Documents: Supporting documents are inadequate or absent altogether, such as those related to Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), ARC in Shop Visit Documents, or NDT reports in Repair & Dent and Buckle Chart
• Mismatched Time Since New (TSN) and Cycle Since New (CSN): Discrepancies were observed in the TSN and CSN, especially noted in occurrences concerning OCCM & ARC, HT & ARC.

These issues represent just a few of the many challenges that can arise during a records review. Managing records during asset transitions is both crucial and complex. Records management is a demanding process, requiring both expertise and meticulous attention to detail.

If you're keen to delve deeper into each document, understand its role in operational processes, and gain a comprehensive explanation of these findings and more, we have exciting news!?

Starting soon, TBM Aviation will release articles that will thoroughly explore different documents and aspects. Make sure to follow TBM Aviation on LinkedIn to access all the insights and stay informed in the field.

About TBM Aviation

First formed in 2019, PT Tobe Aviasi Indonesia (TBM Aviation) is the go-to partner for high-quality, cost-effective, and customizable aircraft technical solutions in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Now in 2024, TBM Aviation boasts a team of 25+ skilled engineers, each hailing from diverse technical expertise and enriched by years of experience in airlines and MROs. Our services include records management, technical support services, engine management services, borescope inspection, and engineering & planning services. Our wide-ranging project portfolios serve as a testament to our expertise, highlighting our capabilities to provide quality services tailored to diverse needs.

Visit tbmaviation.com to learn more or drop us an email at [email protected]