A survey of aircraft structural-life management programs in the U.S. Navy, the Canadian forces, and the U.S. Air Force

Abstract : The U.S. Air Force owns and operates approximately 6,000 aircraft to meet its force requirements. The average age of these aircraft is approximately 22 years and is expected to continue to rise. Many of the older aircraft are facing aging issues, such as structural deterioration due to fatigue, and many aircraft are expected to encounter such issues as the Air Force plans to keep aging aircraft in service for many years.