Beyond The Sky: Setting the Stage for a Smooth Aircraft Induction

From confirming the workscope to discussing communication preferences, this meeting is critical.

Acquiring quotes, lining up schedules, and choosing the right facility are all pieces of the puzzle before any maintenance is done on your aircraft. All of the boxes may be checked on your end, but there are several things that a well-informed and engaged facility should be doing in the weeks prior to your scheduled maintenance. 

Communication is Key

It may sound like a common saying, but emphasizing it is still important. Before your scheduled service, your designated representative should contact you to discuss and confirm various details. If you have not yet been introduced to your main point of contact, also known as a TSR (technical service representative) at Stevens, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Your TSR will keep you updated during the maintenance process, offer solutions and resolutions to any issues, and provide an estimated date of return for your aircraft. Other details that should be discussed prior to the aircraft induction would be your preferred method of communication, final billing information, maintenance tracking information, and recertification of your airframe, avionics, and engine program information. 

Technical Review

It is crucial for the technical staff at your maintenance facility to carefully review the agreed work scope, discuss required parts, and address any new issues before the aircraft is brought in for maintenance. This will ensure that everything you requested is on the work order and the shop is prepared to start when you arrive. Often new events can and will have an impact on the completion date, so discussing it now as opposed to when you arrive is critical so labor and capacity can be allocated if possible. 

The Induction Meeting

When you arrive for maintenance, you or your pilots should be welcomed by your representatives for a scheduled induction meeting. This final check is crucial in ensuring that everyone is clear and in agreement regarding the upcoming maintenance work. Any additional items not previously discussed during pre-input calls and emails will be addressed during this meeting. The facility will also take charge of your logbooks and all aircraft data (if available), which will be inventoried and secured on-site. This includes gathering times and cycles data required to verify any necessary maintenance and ensuring accurate RTS logbook data. All of these measures, and many more, are put in place to guarantee that you and the facility are fully aligned before any work commences on your aircraft.

The Bottom Line

• Effective communication and careful technical review are crucial steps a well-informed and engaged maintenance facility should take before scheduled aircraft maintenance.
• Discuss and confirm details with the designated representative, addressing any new issues before scheduled maintenance.
• The facility should ensure they are fully aligned and prepared for the upcoming work with the aircraft owner.