Maintaining Performance

Airplane performance and good maintenance are closely related. The figures published by the manufacturer are frequently viewed as optimistic once an airplane is put into service-and suffers prop nicks, bugs on the leading edge and a couple of bad landings-but book numbers can be achieved even years later. When actual performance differs from the published numbers, its often because the airplanes condition has diminished over the years and hours of use. The level of maintenance an airplane has received over the years will have a significant impact on its overall performance.

Wednesday, August 09, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Aerial rendering of the restored Port Columbus Terminal building at KCMH. OAS

Key Takeaways:

An aircraft's actual performance, often perceived as less than manufacturer's "book" numbers, is directly correlated with its maintenance history and current physical condition.
Performance degradation commonly results from an accumulation of minor issues across multiple systems, including inaccurate instrumentation, improper airframe rigging, compromised aerodynamic surfaces, and various powerplant or propeller discrepancies.
To achieve and maintain optimal performance, aircraft require comprehensive, timely maintenance adhering to manufacturer standards, coupled with diligent pre-flights and prompt correction of all identified discrepancies.

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Airplane performance and good maintenance are closely related. The figures published by the manufacturer are frequently viewed as optimistic once an airplane is put into service—and suffers prop nicks, bugs on the leading edge and a couple of bad landings—but “book” numbers can be achieved even years later. When actual performance differs from the published numbers, it’s often because the airplane’s condition has diminished over the years and hours of use. The level of maintenance an airplane has received over the years will have a significant impact on its overall performance.