Why would we want to carry out a Bridging Check?
Typically because we have recently acquired a “new to our organisation” aircraft and it is on a different maintenance schedule.
The configuration of the aircraft needs to be understood, as does the status of the maintenance program, remember the maintenance program could be markedly different from the program which the remainder of your fleet is certified for. Many items need to be reviewed effectively and a good starting point is to perform a dummy airworthiness review to ensure that the continuing airworthiness records are fully compliant, paying particular attention the certification status of repairs.
Lease conditions and, in particular, lease return conditions should also be understood, imagine the shock of the lessee when they found out that at the end of a 5 year (60 month lease) they were obliged to the return the aircraft with a pair of brand new engines.
There is no substitute for reading the small print!
Issues which should be investigated and understood include (but not limited to) the following.
MRB/MPD revision status, ensure that the Maintenance Program is in accordance with the current Maintenance Planning Document.
The utilization of the aircraft and its current hours’ cycles and landings in comparison with the rest of the fleet.
The current status of Life Limited Parts (be aware that some parts which are LLP for you may be OC) this could result in mandatory and expensive component changes.
A detailed comparison should be carried out of the differences between the previous and the new maintenance program, to include any check or task differences.
Prior to Performing Aircraft Bridging Maintenance the condition of the engines should be evaluated, a Borescope inspection is a must when considering taking responsibility for a second hand aircraft.
Airworthiness Directive AD Status including any component AD’s which may be applicable
The status of the incorporated Service bulletins, SB’s any applicable Supplemental Type Certificates STC’s and modifications which may be incorporated.
To consider if the aircraft is subject to any applicable requirements which are only applicable within the jurisdiction of the operator.
Aging Airplane Program Status, is the aircraft fully compliant with any standalone Corrosion Prevention, Corrosion Protection tasks CPCP and Structural Significant Items SSI.
Additional Considerations
Are there any additionally operationally relevant items which need to be considered and addressed.
Is the aircraft on an MSG-3 program? Some earlier aircraft may be on MSG-2 and as a result the maintenance program may be significantly different
ETOPS – If you lease an Aircraft in an ETOPS configuration, it may have to be returned in this configuration, even if you are not an ETOPS operator.
Once the entirety of the task is understood a bridging check work package may be produced taking into consideration the various options to perform the required Bridging program.
Remember that the Aircraft Bridging Maintenance obligation sits with the new owner or operator who has the obligation to ensure that the new maintenance program is fully compliant with all necessary requirements
Sofema Aviation Services offers regulatory training courses in Production Planning, Maintenance Planning and Reliability both as online and as classroom training programs
For details please visit www.sassofia.com www.easaonline.com or email office@sassofia.com & easaonline@sassofia.com
