www.AviationPros.com 13
hroughout the lifetime of an aircraft, the
engine is commonly the most expensive part
to maintain. Understanding the aircraft engine
requirements can help you make informed
decisions for your specific situation. Each step
of properly maintaining turbine engines can
have significant costs, and controlling these
costs throughout the life of the engine can save
hundreds of thousands of dollars. Focusing
on the following areas will enable you to save
money, time, effort, and energy throughout
the process.
SELECTING A SERVICE
CENTER
Selecting a suitable service center
for your type of aircraft and engine
can be one of the most important choices
in understanding and controlling the costs.
When evaluating a service center, consider
the following:
• Choose a service center that has appropri-
ately trained technicians on your engine
model.
• Verify that the service center has techni-
cians that have put their technical training
into action in your particular installation.
Oftentimes technical training is only part
of the equation where experience can lead
to higher efficiencies, lower downtime, and
less chance for costly mistakes.
• All of the equipment required to meet
your needs (including engine removal and
reinstallation) needs to be located at the
facility. This includes any required special
equipment needed to complete all in-house
engine and performance runs. If this is not
the case, you may be paying part or all of
an equipment rental fee.
• Ask about the relationship between the
service center and the engine OEM. A good
relationship with an engine vendor can be
very important if a more serious engine
issue is discovered, and that relationship
can ultimately save time and money. In
addition, the engine vendor may have a
mobile team that can be used in a remote
situation.
1.