What is MRO in Aviation? Everything you need to know

MRO in aviation stands for maintenance, repair, and overhaul. MRO involves repairing, servicing, or inspecting aircraft in Aviation.

This practice includes all maintenance activities needed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of air transport vehicles.

What does MRO in Aviation do?

MRO facility performs required aircraft maintenance and inspections. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that all aircraft undergo maintenance, repair, and overhaul by a certified entity.

MROs are certified to work on aircraft, engines, or accessories. Most MROs operate as FAA Certified Repair Stations, adhering to specific maintenance procedures outlined in their Operation Specifications.

Some MROs also rely on mechanics with A&P licenses as the FAA-certified authority for general maintenance.

Main Operations of MRO

Maintenance: It involves conducting inspections, addressing routine maintenance tasks, and rectifying any discrepancies found on the aircraft.

Repair: It typically involves restoring an accessory, component, or aircraft to a serviceable condition.

Overhaul: Overhaul denotes the repair or replacement of parts on aircraft accessories, components, engines, or items to meet Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards. Manufacturers and the FAA may require overhauls for these items, depending on the FAA regulations governing the aircraft’s operation.

MRO vs General Aircraft Maintenance

Sometimes, people use “MRO” to talk about aircraft repair places. But usually, they mean a Certificate Repair Station (CRS). The big difference is that MRO which is a CRS has stricter rules set by the FAA.

Moreover, these rules cover things like training, inspections, quality assurance, tools, and keeping records. So, CRSs have more oversight and control compared to regular MROs that use an A&P certificate.

Different Types of MRO Facilities in Aviation

• Independent Repair Stations: These MRO firms specialize in providing specific services for particular types of planes. They can range from small businesses focusing on niche services to large aviation companies capable of servicing various aircraft types, such as fixed-wing planes, helicopters, drones, and eVTOLs.
• Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs): FBOs operate at airports, providing a range of line maintenance services like aircraft refueling and parking for both resident and transient aircraft. The top FBOs often include MRO aviation facilities right on-site.
• Commercial Airline Hubs: Airlines aim to make the most out of their aircraft fleets. That’s why big airlines have their own MRO divisions, assisting them in efficiently and economically maintaining their aircraft.
• Regional Airline Maintenance: Smaller or regional airlines handle MRO differently. They operate with smaller fleets, fewer flights, and slimmer profit margins compared to national and international airlines. These airlines manage smaller and more dispersed MRO operations. Instead of constructing their own hubs, they frequently rent space from FBOs at major airports.
• Corporate flight operators: Corporate flight operators often establish their own MRO facilities. Usually, they employ a team of certified AMEs dedicated solely to maintaining their aircraft.
• Defense MRO companies: The major armed forces maintain large aircraft and helicopter fleets equipped with gear and weapons. Due to this, they usually have their own MRO facilities. These facilities offer the same services as civilian MRO aviation companies do.

MRO Service Items

MRO service items include monthly inspections and checks. Other services include overhauling gears, making modifications such as changes to aerodynamics, and avionics, and overhauling or repairing components.

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