What is Aviation Base Maintenance?

When was the last time you took your car in to the shop? Routine checkups are an important part of ensuring your car will run reliably. Similarly, aircraft must routinely go through standardized examinations called base maintenance. Base maintenance includes any modifications, repairs or alterations to the airframe, power plants, aircraft propellers, instruments, flight inspection equipment, avionics, test equipment, and any other aircraft accessories.  

During base maintenance, both minor and major aircraft systems are assessed and repaired through work-like corrosion prevention, structural work, replacement of major sections, interior refurbishment, aviation components, and so on. Because this is no small operation, it cannot be done at the airport by a fixed base operator. Instead, it requires an off-site hangar where an MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) can strip away important parts of the plane to make the proper repairs.

Unfortunately, for MRO services, the complexity of base maintenance goes beyond the repairs themselves. Each MRO must abide by FAA regulations and have contracts in place before performing services of any kind on an aircraft. Because of this, MROs typically have General Terms Agreements (GTA), a basic outline of the collaboration between the airline and the MRO upon placement of a maintenance order. After the GTA has been drawn up, another document confirming the start date and financial compensation is appended to the initial agreement.

Another common aircraft checkup is called line maintenance. This differs from base maintenance in that it is far simpler, more basic repairs and modifications. EASA, the European Aviation Safety Association, defines line maintenance as “any maintenance that is carried out before flight to ensure that the aircraft is fit for the intended flight.” This entails pre-flight and daily checks, fluid check, failure correction, and minor maintenance tasks like troubleshooting, component replacement and repairs not requiring deconstruction.

Routine checkups, like base and line maintenance, ensure a safe and reliable flight in which each individual part operates smoothly. If you're in the market for said parts, consult the experts at ASAP AM Spares. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, ASAP AM Spares can help you find all the unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-amspares.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.

1. james hinds
2. Posted on November 4, 2019
mro

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