Like any aircraft, private jets require routine maintenance to ensure their safe and continued flight. There are three types of aircraft maintenance, each one a more in-depth version of the last. Those three types are basic maintenance, hot section inspection (HSI), and full overhaul. This blog will explain each type, their severity, and provide some insight into what aircraft maintenance entails.
The Basic Maintenance-
The first type of maintenance, basic maintenance, is by far the simplest and least invasive. It is also the only maintenance that is a constant, ongoing process. A maintenance contractor or subcontractor will inspect the engine, evaluating its condition, checking its lubricant levels, monitoring levels of oil, and reviewing other critical
components of the aircraft. These maintenance visits are considered ongoing because they are required to take place at regular intervals, ensuring the safe and responsible operation of the aircraft.
Hot Section Inspection (HSI)-
The second type of private jet maintenance is known as a hot section inspection, or HSI. Most jet aircraft manufacturers recommend a minimum number of flight hours before overhauling parts, due to the invasive nature of significant engine repair. This number of flight hours is known as the time between overhaul (TBO). As the aircraft’s TBO nears, a maintenance contractor should conduct an HSI. As a general rule, HSIs should be conducted around the halfway point of the TBO. So, if the TBO is 4,000 hours, an HSI should be carried out at 2,000 hours. The TBO varies greatly depending on aircraft type and model, sometimes differing by 1,500-2,000 hours or even more.
During an HSI, the maintenance crew will inspect a segment of the
aircraft engine known as the hot section, in which components such as the air compressors, combustion chambers, compression turbines, turbine-shroud segments, and temperature sensors are contained. The main purpose of an HSI is to ensure that these critical components are capable of producing the required power to run the engine. Any of these components that do not meet certain criteria will be considered failing and should be replaced immediately. Minor problems such as small cracks on less significant or stationary parts can be ignored, as they do not hinder the performance of the engine. These issues will still be noted and checked again during future maintenance. An HSI, while invasive, is less expensive than a complete overhaul, and can sometimes be completed in a matter of a couple days.
Full Overhaul-
The third and most significant type of jet maintenance is called full overhaul. If a hot section inspection reveals critical problems, the maintenance team must carry out a stringent evaluation of the aircraft. A full overhaul is an all-encompassing repair of the aircraft, including disassembly of all critical components, thorough evaluation of each part, replacement or repair of defective parts, reassembly, and the conducting of trial runs before the aircraft can return to operation.
Within full overhaul, there are two separate processes that can be employed, depending on the severity of the issues discovered. The first process is called top overhaul. Top overhaul refers to the inspection of parts not located in the crank space. This process does not necessitate complete disassembly of the aircraft, but rather the repair of cylinders, their walls, pistons, valves, and piston rings. After the failed parts have been replaced, the maintenance team will take measures to ensure that the new parts conform to manufacturer and airworthiness standards before the aircraft can fly. The other process is known as major overhaul. As the name implies, it is a more in-depth form of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Major overhaul means the maintenance team must break down the engine completely and inspect each individual part before repairing or replacing those that need it.
Despite the inconvenience of significant repairs, they are an important aspect of being a responsible aircraft owner. At Jet Parts 360, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all
aircraft MRO services parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. Through our inventory of greater than six billion new and obsolete parts and our international supply chain network that spans the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, we can source any part or service you need. Whether you’re looking for engine parts or aircraft MRO services, Jet Parts 360 is your one stop shop. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at
sales@jetparts360.com or call us at
1-714-705-4780.
