Factors which affect engine life include design practices, manufacturing processes, materials, engine installations, usage, and maintenance system practices. While engine life definition and management are dependent upon the development and organization of these factors, aircraft engine power usage is a major factor affecting engine life in field operations. This statement is based upon an improved understanding of engine usage as functions of aircraft characteristics and the nature of missions which are flown. Increasing amounts of data have been acquired in recent years that provide insights into the magnitude and variability of engine life for several aircraft systems.
This paper will compare aircraft usage and engine life relationships for representative aircraft systems. An outline of procedures used to evaluate engine usage and its effects shall also be presented.
