Managing the Aging Aircraft Problem

Abstract : Aging aircraft face many challenges. Certainly, one of the most costly is corrosion. The United States Air Force (USAF) spends approximately $800 million dollars a year for corrosion detection, prevention, and repair. Another major challenge is structural fatigue cracking. This problem has significant safety implications as well as economic. Aging mechanical subsystems constitute a challenge in that they can have such a severe impact on aircraft availability. Aging wiring is also a safety and economic problem.