Top 5 Engine Items You Need To Know Before Purchasing an Aircraft

Throughout the service life of aircraft, engines are often the most looked-after parts, usually costing a fortune to maintain. Due to the sensitivity of these components, no all-encompassing solution applies to every make and model of engine. When servicing an engine, one must keep many variables in mind, those of which include manufacturers, engine programs, parts sourcing, maintenance history, pedigree, and more.

1. Engine Times and Cycles

Engine service life is determined by the engine overhaul and inspection requirements, with specific focus on time or cycle limited components. When assessing an engine for purchase, you must ensure that the seller has the most recent and up-to-date times and cycles of each engine and APU, if applicable.  These are normally found in a flight log and should list all cycle limited components. For turbine engines in particular, there are varying cycle limited replacement or overhaul requirements. One should also note that flight logs must have current data on service bulletins, inconsistencies in engine times, and repetitive issues detailed as well.

2. Is it on a Program?

There are a wide range of engine programs in the aviation industry, some of which include Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI), Honeywell Maintenance Service Plan (MSP), Pratt & Whitney Eagle Service Plan (ESP), Williams Total Assurance Program (TAP), and many others. While some programs are customizable, others vary based on major repairs and possible expenses. For an engine with a predesignated program, one must fully understand what it consists of and what it does not cover. Moreover, one must request a current engine maintenance agreement and review it with an engine representative or program representative.

Some key questions to ask:

• Is the existing contract transferable?
• What are my monthly costs?
• What items are completely covered?
• What items am I responsible for at small and large engine events?
• Does it cover routine inspections and normal discrepancies?
• Do I have to use a particular service provider to complete the service?
• Are there advantages that come along with certain providers?

3.  Maintenance History and Cost

Engine maintenance history is often overlooked; thus, one must make sure that the last maintenance service was carried out by a reputable facility that properly follows maintenance guidelines. A majority of this information can be obtained with thorough logbook research. Once this is done, check to see if the facility has a good track record for the aircraft model you are purchasing. Gather this information and provide it for your preferred maintenance provider. They should be able to estimate the upcoming maintenance costs based on previous utilization.

4. Location and Operation

The primary location of the aircraft during operation has a major impact on its service life and repair costs. Whether it has been used in a sandy, corrosive, or polluted environment will have an effect on the internal condition of the engine. One must also look at how many cycles it has gone through, appropriate operating temperatures, sufficient oil lubrication, calendar limits, manufacturer manual recommendations, and more. Trend monitoring is a good way of understanding how an engine has been operated, but other aftermarket or manual tracking methods can also be utilized.

5. Understanding the Value of the Currently Installed Engines

All of the aforementioned items are good indications of an aircraft engine’s worth. Additionally, it is important to consider whether a factory-authorized facility conducted the general maintenance and whether they are reputable. It is also worth noting if the aircraft or its parts has undergone any modifications that can affect the airframe warranty. One can also seek out an independent ASA Accredited aircraft appraiser to evaluate the aircraft.

Conclusion

Part Orbit is a leading distributor of aircraft maintenance tools and equipment, alongside a myriad of other parts that have been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. With countless options, get started today with a competitive quote through our Instant RFQ service and let the experts at Part Orbit help you fulfill your part requirements! 

1. martin taylor
2. Posted on September 16, 2022
aircrafts