Effects of Consolidating F-16 Phase and Cannibalization Aircraft on Key Maintenance Indicators

Publisher Marketing: This study investigates the potential improvement in aircraft fleet health resulting from consolidating phase and cannibalization aircraft in the 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Never before have these programs been consolidated into one centrally managed facility. The focus of the study is to determine if the impact of consolidating F-16 phase and cannibalization aircraft on key maintenance indicators warrants program implementation Air Force-wide. The key maintenance metrics of the 388th Fighter Wing's F-16 aircraft fleet prior to the start of the program are compared to the same metrics following program implementation. These metrics are then similarly compared to those of the other active duty F-16 fighter wings throughout Air Combat Command to assess measurable differences in performance. The secondary and tertiary benefits of implementation are also discussed to lend additional support to the program. The study identifies the critical factors leading to this program initiative, the benefits gained, and the sufficiency of the program in today's operational environment. This study promotes this program as an Air Force Smart Operations for the twenty-first-century initiative. The adoption of the program is recommended to improve the overall fleet health and operational readiness of the Air Force's aircraft inventories.