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BUSINESS AVIATION 14 MAY 2017 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY • Understand how well-staffed the ser- vice center is by knowing the hours of operation and number of shifts that are worked. The number of technicians and hours of operation can be criti- cal to saving downtime and are often overlooked. • Request a copy of the selected facility's certifications and authorizations. • A major service center has intimate knowledge of how engine programs work and has the right resources to help you understand how to maximize coverage of the program and avoid any unnecessary pitfalls or additional costs. 2. LINE MAINTENANCE Engine line maintenance is defined as anything that can be completed at the appropri- ately rated service center level. These items include removal and installation of all external components and engine accessories, including hot section inspec- tions. The majority of line maintenance is scheduled and listed in the aircraft manu- facturer's inspection guide. It is much more cost effective to properly maintain aircraft engines so that issues can be discovered prior to causing substantial damage. The service center should also be reviewing the engine manufacturer's required inspection items. During line maintenance, engine parts will most likely need to be repaired or replaced. You can help control costs of those parts by understanding: • Can the part be overhauled or repaired? • Are there advantages to getting a part overhauled instead of repaired to con- trol costs in the future? • What is the warranty on a replaced part? • What is the difference between repaired, overhauled, or new? • If a part needs to be repaired, are there other items that can be taken care of during this repair to save time and money in the future? • Have there been multiple quotes for a repair or replacement to get the best price? • Is there a core charge and will there be bill backs for the core? 3. HEAV Y MAINTENANCE Heavy engine maintenance can be defined as the repair of inter- nal engine components beyond the scope of normal line maintenance. It can be one of the largest expenses in your aircraft's operation, and understanding the costs by asking the right questions can make a big difference. Heavy mainte- nance is primarily engine overhaul (OVH) or core zone inspection (CZI). It can also include substantial engine disassembly and/or engine removal and reinstalla- tion, engine service bulletin embodiment, engine repair from foreign object damage (FOD), major periodic inspection (MPI), or hot section inspection (HSI) that require engine removal. In order to save time and money, ask the following questions: • How quickly can this work be com- pleted? • Can the engine work be combined with other items such as, an airframe inspection, paint and interior upgrades, or avionics upgrades? • Is the engine vendor a manufacturer's authorized service center? • What is the warranty for the engine work? • Are any parts being used that may impact the warranty on the remainder of the engine? • Have we received quotes from multiple vendors? 4. UNSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Unscheduled maintenance is any unplanned engine main- tenance. Issues can occur in remote areas or airports that are not staffed with appropriately rated technicians. In these situations, the primary financial savings is time. Having a previously established relationship with a suitable service center can make all the difference, as they will ELLIOTT AVIATION