Aircraft sustaining: a holistic and systemic approach establishing the various support components
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 5 September 2008
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.
Keywords
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
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited