Case Study

Ensuring Airworthiness & Compliance Through Helicopter Inspections

Ensuring Airworthiness & Compliance Through Helicopter Inspections
Figure 1:

Client Need

The client required a thorough assessment of their leased helicopter’s physical condition, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness documentation. They sought to:
  • Verify adherence to airworthiness and contractual conditions outlined in the lease agreement.
  • Ensure maintenance records were accurate and met aviation regulatory standards.
  • Identify potential maintenance liabilities that could impact financial planning and operational readiness.
  • Distinguish between commercial and airworthiness concerns to ensure compliance without incurring unnecessary costs.
  • Conduct an exhaustive records review, accounting for the aircraft’s age and maintenance history.

Challenges

Several key challenges were identified during the inspection process:
  • Ensuring compliance with strict aviation regulations and lease conditions.
  • Reviewing extensive maintenance records, a time-intensive process depending on the aircraft’s operational history.
  • Identifying potential airworthiness issues that could impact future operations.
  • Distinguishing between essential regulatory requirements and commercial considerations to optimize cost efficiency.

AviaPro's Approach

AviaPro Consulting deployed an experienced inspection team to conduct a structured and comprehensive Mid-Lease Technical Inspection Audit. The audit included:

1. Comprehensive Physical Inspection

A detailed on-site examination was conducted at the location where the aircraft had been parked. Key areas of focus included:
  • Structural integrity assessment.
  • Evaluation of major components and configuration suitability.
  • Overall aircraft condition review.

2. Maintenance Program Compliance Review

  • Verification of completed maintenance tasks, ensuring no overdue items.
  • Confirmation that the aircraft was within its agreed maintenance clearance period.

3. Airworthiness Directives (AD) Compliance

  • Sampling review of AD compliance records, including Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC) validation.
  • Ensuring full transferability of directives.

4. Modifications & Alterations Review

  • Sampling review of major and minor modifications, including Supplemental Type Certificates (STC).
  • Verification of non-proprietary STC data and corresponding manual supplements.

5. Repair File Verification

  • In-depth review of damage assessments, Structural Repair Manual (SRM) references, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) reports.
  • Verification of engineering drawings and compliance documentation.

6. Hard Time (HT) Components & Condition Monitoring Review

  • Inspection of HT and On-Condition/Condition Monitoring (OC/CM) components.
  • Validation of maintenance clearance periods and release certificates.

7. Regulatory Certificates & Logbooks Inspection

  • Complete inventory review of required regulatory certificates (CofA, CofR, Certificate of Insurance, Noise Certificate, etc.).
  • Verification that all logbooks were updated and maintenance-free.

8. Engines, Landing Gears, and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Examination

Special focus on high-value components:
  • Review of shop visit reports, borescope inspections, and engine trend monitoring data.
  • Verification of Back-to-Birth documentation for Life-Limited Parts (LLPs).

Findings & Outcome

Following AviaPro’s rigorous inspection process, the client received a detailed report outlining:
  • The overall airworthiness status of the helicopter.
  • Any compliance gaps requiring corrective actions.
  • Recommendations for financial negotiations and maintenance planning.
  • A strategic roadmap to optimize asset management and cost efficiency.
The inspection confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and generally well-maintained for its age, with minor deviations noted that had no impact on operational safety. The proactive approach taken by AviaPro Consulting allowed the client to mitigate risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect the value of their leased assets. This thorough assessment prevented costly disputes, minimized downtime, and ensured seamless operational continuity.
 

Conclusion

Through its expert Mid-Lease Technical Inspection Audit, AviaPro Consulting provided invaluable insights and actionable recommendations, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in aviation asset management. By leveraging AviaPro’s expertise, the client successfully maintained compliance, mitigated financial risks, and safeguarded their investment.