Understanding Aircraft Retirement and Inactive Aircraft Inventory

What happens to aircraft that have completed their service life?

A. Decommissioned
B. Stored
C. Disassembled for parts
D. Sold as surplus

Answer:

Aircraft that have completed their service life are categorized into the Inactive Aircraft Inventory.

When an aircraft has completed its service life, it is no longer suitable for operational use. At this point, the aircraft is moved to the Inactive Aircraft Inventory. This category is specifically designed for aircraft that are no longer in active service but may still hold value in terms of salvageable parts or potential resale.

Aircraft in the Inactive Aircraft Inventory may undergo various processes such as decommissioning, storage, disassembly for parts, or even being sold as surplus items. These aircraft are typically not airworthy and are no longer used for operational missions.

The decision on how to handle aircraft in the Inactive Aircraft Inventory depends on factors such as the condition of the aircraft, market demand for parts, and overall fleet management strategies. By managing retired aircraft effectively, organizations can maximize the value of these assets and ensure proper disposal or repurposing.