The importance of helicopter maintenance in modern world
With the augmentation in global air connectivity and steady increase in the number of people traveling via air, helicopters have rapidly grown as a key facilitator of aerial connectivity. Moreover, in the modern world, rotorcraft are not just used for ferrying people, they perform a diversity of roles including passenger commute, cargo movement, rescue operations, surveillance and monitoring, attacking roles as well as air ambulances etc. Therefore, helicopter maintenance has also become a critical component of MRO services, and advanced software is used to take care of rotorcraft.
Even though helicopters might not be as expensive as the top-of-the-line jet planes, they are still costly machines. Every high-performance helicopter would cost millions of dollars. Depending on the role and capabilities of the aircraft, the cost could go up to tens of million dollars for a military helicopter.
Why do you need to maintain helicopters regularly?
Helicopters are also a type of aircraft, and they have to undergo similar maintenance checks and schedules as a jet plane would. However, depending upon the type and role of a helicopter, the maintenance needs and timeframe is likely to vary. There are various reasons why you must check your helicopter as per schedule, and before every flight. For instance,
Safety – Helicopters are easy to fly as compared to planes, but they are as delicate as any other flying machine. Moreover, the vertical take-off and landing ability of the rotorcraft makes them operable in a diversity of terrain and environments. A helicopter can be landed on the top of a building, a mountain or a warship or in any empty field. Such diversity and ease of usage might be jeopardized if the machine is not maintained properly. Helicopter crashes due to lack of maintenance are not uncommon occurrences. Therefore, to ensure the safety of flying machines, thorough maintenance is essential.
Lifecycle and performance – A well maintained helicopter can remain airworthy and safe even years after the expiration of its original expected lifecycle. And, when these costly machines are used as a charter service, the additional years could mean significant revenue boost for the helicopter operators.
Role of Aircraft Maintenance Software
It is essential for MRO companies to use a world-class cloud-based aircraft maintenance software for delighting their customers with excellent helicopter maintenance services. Such a software would seamlessly cover the entire spectrum of helicopter maintenance across the civil as well as military domains. Whether it is maintenance planning or carrying out of line, hangar, shop and engine maintenance activities, reliability and engineering or managing technical records, the software can take care of all such functions. Further, the software would also help in optimizing various processes such as human resource management, inventory management, warranty management, maintenance and financials. The best software comes equipped with AI, IoT and data analytics tools to measure, monitor and manage all operational aspects.
For rotor wing aircraft, integrated information interfaces are required to provide up-to-the-minute data, as it enables them to control the flight deck as well as the on-ground operations. This is where an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) proves to be an essential tool kit for the flight crew. It facilitates them to perform critical tasks on board. With an all-inclusive software, the flight crew gets a single interface to effectively manage all on-board tasks. Further, it can be integrated with processes such as maintenance, billing, and information updates.
By using the power of modern software technology, you can get the best value out of your own or your clients’ helicopters and rotorcraft seamlessly for several years.