Airplane manufacturers, airlines, and airports should maintain their aircraft with aviation maintenance software. Private carriers and corporations that own jets should also consider purchasing aviation maintenance software. If aircraft doesn't receive regular maintenance, the consequence of failure can be deadly. Using aviation maintenance software helps aircraft owners keep track of regularly scheduled maintenance and part replacement to minimize aircraft downtime, maintain a safe aircraft and comply with FAA regulations.

Many other functions relate to maintenance of aircraft. Aviation maintenance software providers design software to integrate related tasks such as spare parts inventory. Some programs include a scheduling module. Other applications interface with the Internet to provide maintenance and parts catalogs on the user's own web server. Other software designs accommodate small, medium or large business fleets.

Before purchasing aviation maintenance software:

1. Study the uses of aviation maintenance software.

2. Determine the most desired features of aviation maintenance software.

3. Compare software packages for the program that best suits your needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare aviation maintenance software information uses

Automating your aircraft maintenance records can have a number of advantages. Aircraft maintenance software keeps all your records in a centralized location for easy reference. Good record keeping also improves efficient operations because you can easily schedule maintenance, order parts and maintain repair manuals all in one place.

I recommend: AV Tracker provides an integrated software package for private aircraft owners. This package tracks licensing requirements of the pilot as well as performance of the airplane. BuyerZone lists various uses of aircraft maintenance software programs. Aviation Maintenance Magazine contains aviation maintenance software information that explains why it makes good sense to use such software.

Determine the most desirable features of aviation maintenance software

Aircraft maintenance software packages have different levels of complexity. Some packages applies only to aircraft maintenance while others integrate business management tools into the software. Others track operational information.

I recommend: Visual AviationPro tracks flight times, calibrations and work orders. It also includes parts inventory and purchasing tools. It operates on both PC and Mac platforms. Aviation maintenance software provider, DatcoMedia, sells EBis, a comprehensive aviation maintenance software tool that includes work orders, scheduling and time clock tracking. CompuTrak sells aviation software that comes in three levels of single aircraft, one to three aircraft or multiple aircraft versions.

Compare available aviation maintenance software packages for the best fit for your business

Not every aviation maintenance software package matches your business needs. Once you know what you want to use the software for and what features you must have, you can select a software package that best suits your business. Also consider extra bonuses such as free downloads, free trial periods, free upgrades and customer service.

I recommend: Find aviation maintenance software at Capterra, which compiles an aviation maintenance software list that includes a variety of software for different applications. Softscout lists business software for different applications. This listing features aviation maintenance software geared toward the aviation industry, with some special programs tailored to aerospace and military applications. AviationDomain.com provides a large list of aviation maintenance related software, which it breaks down into the subtypes of maintenance and repairs, repair and restoration, hangar construction and maintenance and commercial aviation maintenance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires complete logs, documentation and reports about your aircraft. If you use aircraft maintenance software you can ensure your records comply with federal regulations so you can stay in business.