?? A Strategic Plan for Returning an Aircraft to Service Under EASA Airworthiness
Returning an aircraft to service under EASA regulations is a meticulous process that ensures compliance, safety, and operational readiness. Here’s a concise roadmap with a focus on common lease requirements.
1. Review Lease Agreement & Redelivery Conditions
? Understand Redelivery Clauses: Review the lease agreement for specific redelivery conditions, including maintenance status, cosmetic standards, and documentation requirements. Especially on component return condition and cabin requirements which is normally a top argument during the return process.
? Define Aircraft Configuration: Verify the required configuration (e.g., cabin layout, installed equipment, and software versions). Any in house mod, and EU OPS mod must take extract care since this might be different from the aircraft registered during the operation.
? Agreed Maintenance Status: Ensure the aircraft meets the required maintenance condition, such as:
? Full compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
? Engines, APU, and components meeting minimum remaining time or cycles. No on watch status.
2. Establish a Strong Foundation
? Engage CAMO: Partner with a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) to oversee the return-to-service process.
? Review EASA Part-M Compliance: Ensure adherence to EASA Part-M or Part-CAMO for maintenance and continuing airworthiness.
3. Aircraft Records Audit
? Maintenance Records: Validate historical maintenance aligns with EASA and lease requirements.
? Compliance with Redelivery Specs: Confirm records match the redelivery conditions outlined in the lease.
? Component Log Review: Verify remaining time on life-limited parts (LLPs) meets lease terms.
4. Maintenance Actions
? Perform Redelivery Maintenance:
? Conduct required inspections (e.g., C-checks or redelivery-specific checks).
? Address all open MEL/CDL items.
? Complete cabin interior repairs and repaint if stipulated in the lease.
? Engine & APU Run: Perform borescope inspections and health checks per lease requirements.
5. Compliance Check
? Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the aircraft complies with the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) and Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).
? Maintenance Program (AMP): Verify the AMP aligns with redelivery conditions and authority approval.
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6. Technical Testing
? Functional Testing: Confirm avionics, hydraulics, and systems function per redelivery conditions.
? Test Flights: Execute if specified in the lease or required by regulations.
7. Documentation & Certification
? Redelivery Condition Reports: Prepare detailed records, including:
? Engine trend monitoring and borescope reports.
? Structural inspections and NDT results.
? Full maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) history.
? Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC): Issue after successful airworthiness review.
8. Regulatory Submission
? Authority Engagement: Submit required documentation to the competent authority for review and approval.
? Resolve Discrepancies: Address any findings from the authority or lessee’s representative.
9. Final Delivery & Handover
? Final Walkaround: Conduct a thorough inspection with the lessee or their representative.
? Handover Documentation: Provide all required technical records, logbooks, and certifications.
? Ensure Aesthetic Condition: Clean, repaint, or refurbish the aircraft per lease agreement.
?? Key Considerations for Redelivery Success
? Proactive Planning: Start redelivery preparations early to avoid delays.
? Clear Communication: Maintain regular communication with lessors, CAMO, and authorities.
? Attention to Detail: Double-check records, compliance, and physical condition to meet all contractual and regulatory requirements.
By incorporating redelivery conditions into the planning process, you ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient return-to-service under EASA standards.
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