Aircraft sustaining: a holistic and systemic approach establishing the various support components

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of research into the support activities of commercial aircraft (A/C).

Design/methodology/approach

The work is associated with A/C operations (OPS) providing a structure establishing the A/C sustaining during the in‐service phase. The process involved the implementation of a field survey in order to capture heuristically A/C support practices to enable one to identify system requirements. This part of the work utilized the collaboration of 21 A/C operators and maintenance repair and overhaul companies from various regions of the world.

Findings

Using systems engineering methodology, the research process led to the development of a prototype sustaining system. The solution comprises a tree of support functionalities (similar to a work breakdown structure). The result was verified by major local national airlines which confirmed the ability of the solution in terms of representing a viable structure establishing an A/C sustaining system.

Originality/value

The research initiative presented represents a contribution in the domain of A/C OPS, namely in terms of management aspects, by making available a solution that serves as a reference element, with a holistic nature, that integrates, normalizes and unifies commercial A/C support practices.

Citation

Camelier, I.A., Lourenço, L.A. and Lourenço da Saúde, J. (2008), "Aircraft sustaining: a holistic and systemic approach establishing the various support components", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 5, pp. 526-537. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660810899892