What Is the Overhaul Process for Business Aircraft?

Business aircraft are designed for the transportation of small groups of individuals, often being used for business operations and endeavors. Nevertheless, they can be adapted for other roles as well, sometimes aiding in the evacuation of casualties, delivery of parcels, and much more. Just like any other type of aircraft, business jets need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis, the most intensive of these inspections being an aircraft overhaul. With an overhaul, business aircraft undergoing the MRO process can be brought to a condition that guarantees their airworthiness and reliability.

When discussing the term “overhaul” in the context of aviation, one is referring to a process in which all aeronautical articles are inspected, checked, and otherwise worked on to make sure that they are within complete conformity with any service tolerance listed within the holder’s type certificate or the manufacturer’s instructions for the given assembly or aircraft. As stated by the FAA, aircraft overhaul parts are only described as being overhauled if they have been “disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, reassembled, and tested in accordance with the above-specified data.” Through this process, parts are returned to a “like-new” condition, and overhauls will often encompass the assessment of the engine, various internal engine components, propellers, and other items that face typical wear and tear over time.

Aircraft maintenance should be conducted on regular intervals, those of which are known as the Time Between Overhauls (TBOs). These intervals are established by the manufacturer of a particular part or assembly, and the values are generally determined during the process of earning regulatory approval. For an assembly such as an engine, the Time Between Overhaul will generally be based on the amount of time that the assembly is in operation, rather than being based on a set cycle. As such, one jet engine may provide 6,000 hours of operation between TBOs, meaning that it can be in operation for upwards of 6,000 hours before needing to be inspected. TBOs are generally mandatory for all commercial operators, and aircraft that fail to meet certain scheduled intervals may be grounded until they can be inspected as necessary.

The overhaul process is complex and often lengthy, possibly taking upwards of several weeks to complete. In some instances, an aircraft may be able to continue operations by using loaner assemblies, such as temporarily using an attached engine while the standard engine assemblies are removed and services. Renting such exchange assemblies does not always require enrollment in a maintenance-service program, and some situations may allow for a loaner engine or apparatus to be shipped to a facility for use. Another great way to save time is to have all needs taken care of at once, such as having avionics upgrades or interior refurbishment occur during a typical aircraft maintenance operation. As overhaul processes can be timely and expensive, it is always beneficial to have a plan up front, as well as preparation for any replacement parts or materials that may be needed to get the job done. With Civil Aviation Parts, you can easily fulfill all your requirements while saving time and money.

Civil Aviation Parts is a premier purchasing platform owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we are your sourcing solution for all the spare items you need to carry out maintenance operations with ease. Take the time to explore our offerings as you see fit, and our team is always ready to assist you through the purchasing process however necessary. If any particular item interests you, fill out and submit an RFQ form at your earliest convenience. Within 15 minutes of receiving a completed request, a team member will reach out with a customized quote for your comparisons. Experience the future of part procurement today with Civil Aviation Parts.