SofemaOnline takes a look at the ins & outs of the end-of-lease transitional checklists.

Introduction

Anyone who has gone through the “pain” of an aircraft redelivery will know about the potential for an upset with the potential of a costly failure—a distinct possibility, particularly if you do not plan the process correctly. Whilst much of a transition delivery is outside of the lessor’s direct control due to the involvement of external organisations – MRO & Parts Suppliers – Part 21J Design Organizations, etc. It is still both possible and advantageous for the Lessor to take all-natural precautions.

At the beginning of the Lease, the lessee is looking to “rent” and the lessor is looking to supply. A “savvy” lessee is going to be very attentive during pre-delivery inspections and to win some “favours” against any discrepancies in lease delivery conditions. However, at the end of the lease, the “boot” really is on the other foot, and the Lessors are far more adept at ensuring compliance with all the various obligations.

Creating a Working Checklist

Consider that for each and every delivery commitment by the lessor there is a corresponding return condition clearly stated, typically to identify the following:

a) Promised Delivery Condition (to the lessee)
b) Contracted Return Condition (from the lessee)
c) Discrepancies - here to “self-audit” and identify any discrepancies together with the appropriate mitigation to address the "Gaps.”

Entering the Redelivery Phase

Up to 6 months from redelivery, one of the early tasks of the lessees is to gather together all the records in a structured and organised way so that they may be assessed before the Lessor starts the review process.

The Lessor will expect access to the records for the purpose of review before the end-of-lease maintenance inputs. 

A typical and standard way of presenting this information is the use of a folder, which is known as the 'redelivery book.'

The redelivery book usually contains a number of summary sheets with reference to the appropriate “actual job card” – known as the DFP (Dirty Finger Print). 

The work required to create the redelivery book can often be very labor intensive.

It is normal for the records to be made available three or four months before redelivery; therefore, a target of 6 months provides a window for the Lessee to consider any issues which are noted during the discrepancy review of the working checklist. 

Sofema Aviation Service www.sassofia.com and SofemaOnline www.sofemaonline.com offer CAMO Lessee Regulatory and Vocation training both online and within the classroom environment. For details or inquiries, please email team@sassofia.com