MIKE SAATHOFF has over 20 years of experience
in corporate aircraft maintenance. He has held
several service technician and Quality Control
positions with Elliott Aviation and currently
serves as the director of sales operations & engine
and accessory sales. He has an Airframe and
Powerplant and Inspection Authorization license
with the FAA.
www.AviationPros.com 15
have the ability to quickly dispatch techni-
cians. If needed, they can also involve the
appropriate engine vendor to ensure your
issue is taken care of in the most expedi-
tiously and cost-effective way.
5.
DOCUMENTATION OF
MAINTENANCE
Documentation of engine main -
tenance is an extremely impor-
tant facet to controlling costs. Make sure
your service center has a quality control or
inspection department to properly docu-
ment any work that is being done. Make
sure all of the following is happening
throughout the process:
• The current engine times and cycles
are documented to include hours since
overhaul or CZI, cycles since overhaul
or CZI, hours since hot section or MPI
and cycles since hot section or MPI.
• During any heavy engine maintenance,
the cycle sensitive item component
cards should be updated and installed
in the logbook.
• All engine service bulletin documenta-
tion should be updated.
• All Airworthiness Directives should be
signed off as either completed or not
applicable, and a signed AD log should
be installed in the logbook (this simple
step can save research time and money
in the future).
• An optional but valuable step to con-
sider is making a copy (electronic or
paper) of all logbooks; ensure the copy
is stored either electronically or paper
copies in a safe place.
Improper documentation can be one of
the most frustrating costs if not correctly
completed, and the steps outlined above
can amount to a substantial cost savings.
Understanding the requirements of your
engines can make all the difference in
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controlling costs throughout the life of the
engine. Get involved and ask the right ques-
tions to make sure you are getting what
you pay for. The engine is one of the most
important components on your aircraft and
if taken care of correctly at the right price,
you know you are doing the right thing for
you and your company.