Domestic Flight Technical Services
A Hidden but Vital Infrastructure in the Stability and Safety of the Country’s Aviation Industry
The aviation industry not only flies on the wings of technology and navigation but also relies on the backbone of flight support and technical servic
These services consist of maintenance, repair, inspection, and technical quality control operations carried out before flight, during airport stops , or
within specific intervals on aircraft.In domestic flights,which typically involve high frequencies of takeoffs and landings with tight schedules,the role
of these services becomes even more significant.
This article examines the importance, structure, processes, challenges , and improvement strategies of technical services in Iran’s domestic flights.
Definition of Flight Technical Services
Flight technical services refer to all specialized operations and technical support aimed at ensuring the safety, readiness, airworthiness, and optimal
performance of aircraft. These services are defined at three main levels:
Line Maintenance:
Visual inspections, checking flight documents, refueling, testing vital systems, fixing surface defects, and visual examination of the engine , landing
gear, and fuselage.
Base Maintenance:
Includes deep periodic inspections, part replacements, evaluation of flight and electrical systems, and software system upgrades.
Engineering and Maintenance Planning Services:
Designing maintenance programs based on the manufacturer’s manuals, analyzing repair data, and overseeing technical documentation.
Importance of Technical Services in Domestic Flights
Passenger and Crew Safety
Any negligence in technical services can lead to mechanical or system errors, potentially resulting in accidents. Therefore ,precise execution of pre-
flight checks is essential.
Flight Stability and Delay Prevention
In domestic flights where aircraft turnaround time is very limited, the speed and accuracy of technical services directly impact on-time performance.
Extending Fleet Lifespan
Regular maintenance programs prevent premature wear and tear, thereby increasing aircraft operational efficiency.
Compliance with Legal and International Regulations
All airlines are required to implement checklists, document maintenance, and adhere to the standards of the Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, FAA,
or EASA.
Key Components of Flight Technical Services
Line Maintenance Crew
Technicians operating on the airport ramp between flights, responsible for quick inspections and immediate defect correction.
Maintenance Control Center (MCC)
A centralized unit monitoring real-time fleet status and coordinating repair teams based on flight schedules.
Technical Records
Precise documentation of repairs, parts replacements, alerts, and technical checks in compliance with aviation authority requirements.
Spare Parts Warehouse
Rapid access to critical parts at busy airports to prevent unnecessary aircraft grounding.
Maintenance Management Software
Digital systems such as AMOS or Ramco used for scheduling, alerts, defect tracking, and technical data analysis.
Technical Services Process in Domestic Flights
Before Flight:
General technical status check of the aircraft, system performance, tire pressure,fuel and oil levels, lights, flight documents, oxygen system, and
other immediate checks.
Between Two Flights:
Execution of A or Daily checks, pilot report (PIREP) analysis, minor defect resolution, and completion of technical forms.
During Overnight or Base Stop:
More thorough checks such as B or C inspections, software updates, and periodic component replacements.
Challenges of Technical Services in Iran
Aging Fleet
The high average age of aircraft increases repair needs and complicates maintenance procedures.
Spare Parts Shortage
Import restrictions and sanctions make the supply of some critical parts difficult.
Shortage of Skilled Technicians
Smaller airports often lack specialized technical staff, disrupting full technical check execution.
Inadequate Infrastructure at Small Airports
The lack of testing equipment, maintenance hangars, and parts storage at some airports reduces service quality.
Strategies to Improve Domestic Flight Technical Services
Enhanced Technical Training for Technicians
Conducting specialized Part-66 courses, continuous updates to technical knowledge, and training in digital maintenance systems.
Strengthening Spare Parts Logistics
Establishing regional parts warehouses and using domestic manufacturers for high-demand parts.
Developing Maintenance Hangars at Major Airports
Building fully equipped maintenance centers for overnight stops and performing C or D-level maintenance.
Integrating Maintenance Management Software Systems
Creating a national or inter-airline system for managing technical and repair information.
Stronger Oversight by the Civil Aviation Organization
Regular audits, inspection of maintenance records, and enforcing minimum safety standards.
Conclusion
Technical flight services are the hidden yet vital backbone of domestic flight stability. Their precise , swift, and reliable execution reduces delays,
enhances safety, cuts operational costs, and increases public trust in the aviation industry. Enhancing technical infrastructure , strengthening the
workforce,and establishing coordination among airlines,airports,and regulatory bodies can elevate the quality of technical services in the country
to global standards.
Contact us for consultation and purchase