Managing Aviation Safety through Inspection ana Information Technology

According to Boeing estimates, as of the year 2000, more than half of the aircarrier fleet worldwide was flying out-of-production aircraft. Many of these aircraft are operating beyond their model design service objectives (DSOs) and for a second or third operator. Some newer commercial aircraft have had their DSO extended from 20 to 30 years; the DSOs for some military aircraft have been extended 40 to 65 years. Of all the commercial aircraft flying today, approximately 20% are in the aging aircraft category. As this number increases, so does the need for heightened fleet monitoring by the operators, the manufacturers, and the regulatory agencies [1].