Sky Aircraft Maintenance

How To Choose An MRO For Your Aircraft

There are a number of MROs around the world. An MRO, or Maintenance, Repair, and Operations – or sometimes Overhaul, is a company or organization that provides aviation maintenance and repair services. These services can include routine airframe and powerplant maintenance, inspections, repairs, and modifications to keep the aircraft in efficient working order and airworthy. Let’s talk more about MRO’s and how to choose the right one for your needs.

January 4, 2023
Pompano Beach, FL

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Airworthiness is essential to being able to fly. The definition of airworthiness is when an aircraft meets its type certificate and is in a safe condition to operate. Aviation maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring your aircraft’s airworthiness.

A well-maintained aircraft is less likely to experience breakdowns or malfunctions, which can be costly and potentially dangerous. For example, corrosion to the powerplant or airframe, if caught early, may reduce the chances of severe damage. If the damage is only on a specific part, then an aircraft maintenance technician may be able to replace just that part.

A reliable MRO will have the knowledge, skills, and resources to properly maintain and repair your aircraft, and will also be able to offer guidance and recommendations for maintaining the aircraft’s long-term performance and value. An MRO’s primary goal is to protect your investment in the aircraft and ensure that it maintains its value over time in order to maintain longstanding client relations.

So how do you choose the best one for your aircraft? Here’s a guide to help you make the best decision for your aircraft.

Do Your Research

First, let’s narrow down the options by doing some research. Here are 5 factors to consider when beginning your MRO search.

Location

Location is an important factor to consider when searching for an MRO for your aircraft. The MRO’s proximity to your base of operations can be convenient for scheduling maintenance and repairs, as well as for transporting the aircraft to and from the MRO’s facility.

It is also important to consider the availability of qualified technicians in the MRO’s location, as this can impact the speed and quality of the work performed. Additionally, the MRO’s location may also impact the cost of services, as travel and transportation expenses may be incurred if the MRO is not located near your base of operations.

It is therefore advisable to consider MROs that are located in a convenient and cost-effective location, and that have access to a skilled workforce.

Capabilities

An MRO’s capabilities refer to the specific services and expertise that the MRO can provide for your aircraft. It is important to consider the capabilities when searching for an MRO because you want to ensure that they can meet your specific maintenance and repair needs. Some questions to consider when evaluating an MRO’s capabilities include:

Does the MRO have experience and expertise in working with your aircraft type and model?
Does the MRO offer the specific services that you require, such as routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, or modifications?
Does the MRO have the necessary aircraft mechanics, equipment, and resources to properly maintain and repair your aircraft?
Does the MRO have access to spare parts and other supplies needed for your aircraft?

By considering these factors, you can ensure that the MRO you choose has the necessary capabilities to properly maintain and repair your aircraft. This can help to ensure that the work is done efficiently and to the highest standards and can also help to protect your investment.

Certifications

Certification refers to the MRO’s credentials and accreditations, such as FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) approval. These indicate that the MRO has met certain standards and requirements for providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services and that they have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to do so safely and effectively.

It is important to choose an MRO that is certified by a reputable organization, as this can provide assurance that the MRO is qualified to perform the work required. In addition, using a certified MRO can also help to protect the value of your aircraft, as some buyers may prefer aircraft that have been maintained by certified MROs. It is therefore advisable to consider the MRO’s certification and to choose one that is accredited by a reputable organization.

There are various types of certifications that an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) may hold, depending on the specific services and expertise that they offer. Some common ones include:

Part 145 Certifed Repair Station: MROs that hold Part 145 certification have demonstrated that they meet the standards and requirements for providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services as specified in Part 145 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency): MROs that are certified by EASA have demonstrated that they meet the necessary standards and requirements for providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the European Union.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): MROs that hold OEM authorization have been authorized by the manufacturer of the aircraft or its components to perform maintenance and repair work.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization): MROs that hold ISO certification have demonstrated that they meet the standards and requirements for quality management systems as specified by the ISO.

There are also various certifications and licenses the MRO personnel hold. These include:

AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technicians): The AMT work in highly-technical specialty occupations involving the continued operational safety of products and articles, keeping U.S. -registered aircraft operating safely and efficiently.
A&P (Airframe and Powerplant): These are two ratings that an aircraft maintenance technician can obtain simultaneously or separately. An Airframe or “A” rating allows a technician to maintain and repair all systems associated with the airframe of the aircraft while a Powerplant or “P” rating includes the engines and all associated equipment.
IA (Instrument Rating Aircraft Maintenance): IA-certificated mechanics are qualified to work on aircraft instruments, as well as airframes and powerplants.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) radio operator’s license: This license is required for those who perform maintenance on aircraft radios or other communications equipment.

Reputation

It is important to research the reputation of the MRO. To evaluate an MRO’s reputation, you can ask for recommendations from other aircraft owners or operators or look for online reviews or ratings. It is also helpful to speak with the MRO’s current or past clients to get a sense of their experience with the MRO. By doing your research, you can increase the likelihood of finding an MRO that meets your needs and provides the level of service you expect

A good reputation is an important indicator of the MRO’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service. By choosing an MRO with a good reputation, you can increase the likelihood that you will receive high-quality workmanship for your aircraft.

Cost

Aviation maintenance is a costly expense when it comes to owning an aircraft. When considering an MRO, research their costs. The MRO’s fees and pricing structure can vary based on the specific services and expertise that they offer, as well as the location and size of their operation.

In addition to the MRO’s fees and pricing structure, it is also helpful to consider any discounts or packages that may be offered. These can include discounts for frequent customers or packages that bundle several services together at a discounted rate. By taking advantage of discounts or packages, you may be able to save money on the cost of maintaining and repairing your aircraft.

It is important to keep in mind that while cost is an important factor to consider, it should not be the only deciding factor, as tempting as that may be.

Evaluate your choices

Once you’ve done your research and created a list of MROs, you’ll want to evaluate your options a little further. We recommend taking these next steps to ensure your selection is the best choice for your aircraft.

Contact the MRO

Reach out to the MRO to discuss your needs and ask any questions you may have. This can help you to get a sense of the MRO’s customer service and responsiveness and can also help you to clarify any questions or concerns you may have about their services.

Schedule a Tour

Schedule a visit to the MRO’s facility to see the operation in person and meet the team. This can give you a hands-on experience with the MRO’s capabilities and resources and can also give you the opportunity to ask questions and observe the MRO’s operations. Be sure to grade the quality of their hangar space. The way they keep their space is a direct reflection of how they operate.

Create Your Own Package

Discuss terms and conditions with the MRO, including any discounts or packages that may be available. This can help you to get the best value for your money and can also help you to establish a long-term relationship with the MRO.

Build A Rapport

Once you start working with your preferred MRO(s), maintaining a successful relationship is important for ensuring the safety and reliability of your aircraft. The aviation industry has seen an uptick in demand for aviation maintenance. Establishing a good relationship with a company will get you ahead as an aircraft owner or operator.

We asked our team at Sky Aircraft Maintenance (SAM) for their input on what helps them maintain great relationships with their clients. Here’s what they said:

Be proactive

Regularly schedule maintenance and inspections to keep your aircraft in good condition and to prevent issues from arising. In addition, scheduling your maintenance ahead of time ensures your aircraft will be worked on at that time. With today’s increased demand, last-minute requests are hard to fit in.

Be flexible

Be open to working with us to find solutions that meet your needs and budget. For example, if we suggest a service that isn’t in your initial scope, consider the benefits of completing the work.

Be open to feedback

If we suggest changes or improvements to your maintenance plan, consider our recommendations and be open to discussing them. Our goal is to keep your aircraft safe and reliable, so you can focus on flying. We want to build a long-term relationship with you, so we will always do our best to meet your needs.

Establish trust

If you establish trust with your MRO from the start, it will make working together much easier down the road.

Maintain open lines of communication

Make sure you have a point of contact at the MRO who you can reach out to with any questions or concerns.

“We want you to be part of our aviation family. Get to know to whom you entrust your aircraft. Establish a relationship and develop a level of trust and understanding with our team. This can help to ensure that you are receiving the best possible service and can also make it easier to resolve any issues that may arise,” said Christina Trent, Operations Manager for SAM.

In conclusion, an MRO plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of your aircraft. It is important to do your research and consider factors such as location, capabilities, certifications, reputation and cost when choosing an MRO for your aircraft. By taking the time to find a reputable and reliable MRO, you can be confident that your aircraft will receive the necessary maintenance and repair services to keep it in safe and efficient working order, which can help to protect your investment and ensure that your aircraft maintains its value over time.

If you are looking for an MRO in the North Carolina region, please contact our team at Sky Aircraft Maintenance (SAM). SAM offers a wide range of services for Hawker, Beechjet, Learjet, and Citation aircraft. Located at Davidson County Airport, our team of skilled technicians provides exceptional service in avionics, maintenance, inspection, engine overhaul, hot section inspection, interior and exterior redesign, and aircraft part sales.