A technician is reviewing maintenance records to verify compliance with a life-limited component's replacement time on a turbine-powered airplane. Which record-keeping practice is essential to accurately track this component's status?
- ACalendar time since installation is the only factor used to determine replacement, regardless of usage
- BTotal time in service and cycles accumulated on the specific component must be tracked individually, separate from airframe totals
- COnly the airframe total time needs to be tracked since components share the airframe's life limit
- DLife-limited parts only need tracking if the aircraft is used commercially
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Total time in service and cycles accumulated on the specific component must be tracked individually, separate from airframe totals
Life-limited parts (such as certain turbine engine components) have their own individual time/cycle limits established by the manufacturer or type certificate data, and must be tracked separately using component-specific records (time since new, cycles) rather than relying solely on airframe totals or calendar time.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Most life-limited parts are tracked by cycles and/or hours of operation, not solely calendar time
- C. Individual components may have different installation dates and usage than the airframe, requiring separate tracking
- D. Life-limited part tracking is required for all applicable aircraft, not just commercial use
Life-Limited Parts Tracking
Components with a mandatory retirement life (hours, cycles, or calendar time) established by the manufacturer or airworthiness limitations section, requiring individual record tracking separate from the airframe.
- Common on turbine engine rotating parts (disks, blades) with cycle limits
- Records must show time/cycles since new (TSN) and since overhaul (TSO) if applicable
- Failure to track and replace on time results in an unairworthy condition
Memory trick: Life-limited parts carry their own personal odometer, not the airframe's