An Overview of MRO in Aviation

Aerospace and Defense Review | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Most MROs are FAA-certified repair stations and are authorized to undertake specified maintenance in compliance with their Operation Specifications.

FREMONT, CA: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) is a ubiquitous phrase used in numerous sectors. An MRO is an airplane maintenance facility that can perform essential maintenance and inspection. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that all aircraft undergo maintenance or inspection, repair, and overhaul by a qualified organization. An MRO is an authorized entity that can maintain, repair, and overhaul an aircraft, engine, or accessory. Some MROs use the A&P licenses of their mechanics as the FAA-certified organization for general maintenance. The maintenance bases are situated in regions with heavy general aviation traffic, and the Maintenance crew provides exceptional service. 

MRO entails inspections, routine aircraft maintenance, and correcting defects. It helps restore an accessory, component, or aircraft to a serviceable state. The process of converting an aircraft accessory, component, engine, or other equipment to its original manufacturer's specifications is essential in MRO. Depending on the FAA regulation the aircraft is operating under, the manufacturer and FAA may demand an overhaul of certain parts. In certain instances, it is the same; however, when most people use the word MRO, they refer to a Certificate Repair Station (CRS). The FAA's oversight and management of the business distinguishes an MRO that uses an A&P certificate to return an aircraft to service from an MRO that is a CRS. It involves training, inspection, quality assurance, equipment and tools, and recordkeeping.

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MROs are typically linked with extensive maintenance, such as 60-, 72-, 96-, and 120-month inspections or A, B, C, and D checks. Other items may include overhaul or repair of gear, alterations (avionics, aerodynamics), and overhaul or repair of components. The facility's mechanics' level of expertise and experience is the primary differentiator between MROs. It adheres to the highest standards for aircraft maintenance and is dedicated to keeping all aircraft operational and safe. Exceptional mechanics maintain a vast fleet with significant expertise and years of experience.

 

 

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