*3.7. Ongoing Major Maintenance*

Airlifters are large, complex platforms, with many components and parts highly susceptible to ageing effects: fatigue, corrosion, degradation and wear. Operators tend to use these aircraft under harsh conditions and environments. The manufacturers are aware of these issues, developing solutions which are reflected in the maintenance programmes. Maintenance programmes progressively become more thorough and demanding, dictating (higher cost) major inspection and maintenance tasks to sustain the airworthiness of aircraft being operated from their primary base and of those deployed elsewhere.
