Today, 53% of the global fleet comprises leased aircraft, a number expected to increase. Asset delivery and redelivery, including its complexities, thus pose a major challenge for operators. The process of aircraft delivery and redelivery, especially records review, is lengthy and costly and often underestimated.

Why Records Should Matter for Operators during Redelivery?

Lease agreements enforce stringent record-keeping, as records hold a significant influence on asset value. Furthermore, complete and accurate records are also integral in order to comply to existing regulatory standards and ensure continued airworthiness. 

Yet, records may be overlooked during regular operations, leading to significant transition issues for operators. Such lapses can cause penalties and necessitate costly audits and record reconstruction.

Let’s take a closer look at some statistics on redelivery

According to the IBA Redelivery Survey 2023, airlines typically begin transition preparations 6-12 months before handovers. Per the same survey, 27% of respondents identified records' completeness and accuracy as the top challenges for timely, on-budget asset redelivery, surpassing issues with engines and material lead times.

To mitigate the risks of delay and unwanted financial ramifications, being well prepared and well informed is crucial. The TBM Aviation team has completed numerous of these records audits during delivery and redelivery.

Here are some of the common records findings according to our experts:

• Utilization Recording Discrepancies: Missing or uncorrected utilization recordings significantly compromise the historical accuracy of the aircraft's technical log.

• Time Gaps between Maintenance Programs: There is a notable time gap between the manufacturing and the operator maintenance programs in LDNDs.

• AD/SB Compliance Issues: Instances where the part number (PN) listed on the task card does not match the PN of the component currently installed.

• Lack of Traceability: No traceability found in supporting documents, critical for back-to-back (B2B) traceability, particularly with life-limited parts (LLPs) or landing gear records.

• Missing Supporting Documents: Supporting documents are inadequate or absent altogether, such as those related to Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), ARC in Shop Visit Documents, or NDT reports in Repair & Dent and Buckle Chart

• Mismatched Time Since New (TSN) and Cycle Since New (CSN): Discrepancies were observed in the TSN and CSN, especially noted in occurrences concerning OCCM & ARC, HT & ARC.

These issues represent just a few of the many challenges that can arise during a records review. Managing records during asset transitions is both crucial and complex. Records management is a demanding process, requiring both expertise and meticulous attention to detail.

Need support for your upcoming transition? TBM Aviation got your back

TBM Aviation’s Delivery & Redelivery Management Services include everything from agreement review and meticulous records audits to thorough inspections and maintenance claim reviews, ensuring a smooth transition for your asset.