Issue: aging fleet and supply chain (spares)

Organisations raised the risk of risk of failing parts and compounded by the supply chain issues for parts. 

What can large helicopters operators do

As identified in the sector performance section, 12% of helicopters operated within this sector were manufactured before 1990 and 44% were manufactured between 1990-2010. 

To mitigate supply chain risks, an operator can:

  • engage maintenance organisation earlier. Plan ahead and allow sufficient lead time for planned maintenance requirements
  • liaise with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to reduce supply chain issues. You may want to advocate for holding stock in Australia and improve stock holdings
  • hold sufficient spares and consumables to permit planned maintenance and servicing and to cater for any likely unserviceability and line maintenance requirements
  • contact us and give as much notice as possible to seek alleviations. This typically applies for non-airworthiness related components, with OEM backing, or both
  • cooperate with other operators using the same aircraft, components to pool spares, or consumable stock holdings to maximise benefits for all operators.

Some operators use flight data monitoring and health and usage monitoring systems as ways to help reduce the need of unscheduled maintenance.

HeliOffshore have issued publications with recommended practices and guidance regarding:

What we are doing and already delivered

We will always support industry through the issuing alleviations in a timely manner as far as the legalisation permits.

Published date: 29 November 2023
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//index.php/larger-helicopter-sector-safety-risk-profile/issue-aging-fleet-and-supply-chain-spares
Back to top of page