MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

What is “maintenance” in aviation?

Aircraft maintenance is the combination of inspection, servicing, repair, and overhaul activities carried out on an aircraft and its components. These tasks are performed according to strict regulations established by aviation authorities to guarantee safety and reliability.

Main types of maintenance

Preventive maintenance
This is scheduled maintenance performed at regular intervals to prevent failures before they occur. It includes routine inspections, lubrication, and replacement of life-limited parts.

Corrective maintenance
This is performed when a fault or malfunction is detected. It involves troubleshooting, repairing, or replacing defective components.

Predictive maintenance
This type is based on data analysis and monitoring systems to detect early signs of wear or failure. It helps reduce unexpected breakdowns and improve maintenance planning.

Maintenance levels

Aircraft maintenance is also divided into different levels:

Line maintenance:
Light and frequent checks carried out before or between flights, such as visual inspections and fluid checks.

Base maintenance:
More detailed and time-consuming work performed in hangars, including structural inspections and major repairs.

Common maintenance checks include:

A-check (light and frequent)

B-check (moderate, less common)

C-check (deep inspection)

D-check (major overhaul or heavy maintenance)

Areas involved in maintenance

Maintenance covers all major aircraft systems, including:

Engines

Avionics (navigation and communication systems)

Airframe (structure, wings, fuselage)

Hydraulic and pneumatic systems

Landing gear and braking systems

Regulations and standards

Aircraft maintenance must comply with strict international regulations set by authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These organizations define maintenance procedures, inspection intervals, and certification requirements.

Main objectives

The main goals of aviation maintenance are:

To ensure flight safety

To maintain reliability and performance

To extend the aircraft’s service life

To comply with international aviation regulations

Summary

Aircraft maintenance is a fundamental part of aviation that ensures every aircraft is safe, reliable, and ready to operate through continuous inspection, repair, and monitoring.