There are times and occasions when an operator may require adding or deleting an aircraft, or a fleet of aircraft, to a new maintenance program for the purpose of increasing efficiency and / or reducing costs. Aircraft lessors are routinely required to transition aircraft from one maintenance program to another in order to meet specified delivery requirements. Returning an aircraft from the operator to the manufacturer has its own requirements as well.

When an aircraft transitions from one operator to another, or, from one inspection program to another, the time in service, calendar times, or cycles of operation accumulated under the previous program must be applied in determining inspection due times under the new program. In addition, some aircraft operators may have more stringent maintenance requirements than the aircraft manufacturer recommends.

Developing solutions for bridging maintenance requirements takes specialized skills and knowledge, and Bridging involves reviewing the task requirements of two maintenance programs and developing a “task differences” list.

A “task differences” list does not in itself mean a maintenance package; instead, it is the product of a detailed analysis of the transfer aircraft’s maintenance history in relation to the Maintenance Program the aircraft is to be placed under. If the aircraft reverts to the manufacturer, the manufacturer will want to know where the aircraft falls under their own Maintenance Program recommendations.