For the past 25 years, most new production airliners have been certified with factory maintenance programs based on the Maintenance Steering Group (MSG) concept, known since 1980 as Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3). While commercial aircraft OEMs have adopted the evolving maintenance standard, most business jet manufacturers to date have not.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics proposed newly manufactured P-3C Orions to meet joint German and Italian requirements for a maritime patrol aircraft replacement (MPA-R) program. Both countries currently operate twin-turboprop 1960s-vintage Breguet 1150 Atlantic ATL.1s for MPA roles. Lockheed's proposal was formally made July 26 at the Farnborough Air Show. The combined fleets include 13 Atlantics in the German navy, plus four equipped for ELINT roles, and 18 ATL.1s that have been operated by the Italian air force since 1972 on behalf of the navy.

Acquiring parts for your aircraft is an everyday occurrence that is typically given little attention, at least until higher-ticket items are involved.

The 40-strong fleet of C-9s operated by the U.S. military is advancing in age, with the youngest aircraft closing in on 20 years old.

Before Raytheon set off to produce the Premier I, the company had to break down some of the old corporate philosophies. Overcoming the greatest obstacle -- the traditional design team composition itself -- was accomplished when management added a contingent of full-time maintenance technicians to the group.

Clearly, Robert Frost was a poet with an aviator's heart. Pilots quite rightly fear both fire and ice.

U.K.-based BBA Aviation will buy Gulfstream's engine overhaul and repair operations in Dallas, and Gulfstream will purchase BBA's maintenance centers in Dallas, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and West Palm Beach, Fla.