Optimizing Aviation Life Support System Process Efficiency through Standardized Maintenance Practices within Intermediate-Level Fleet Readiness Centers

Abstract

Aviation life support systems (ALSS) represent a life-critical domain within naval aviation, yet components frequently exhibit a time to reliably replenish (TRR) variance greater than 1.0, signifying severe maintenance delays. The purpose of this research is to create a quantitative framework to identify the primary drivers contributing to these TRR overruns. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzed a 37-month dataset from February 2023 to February 2026, consisting of 2,888 Maintenance Action Forms (MAFs) from the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS) intermediate maintenance activity (IMA) at the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA) detachment in Norfolk. The results indicate that inadequate supply chains (awaiting parts) and internal work center backlogs (awaiting maintenance) are the most significant bottlenecks across all analyzed parachute assemblies. The study concludes that systemic delays are fueled by a combination of supply chain constraints, internal process friction, and outdated administrative standards. To reduce TRR and enhance fleet readiness, this study recommends establishing data-driven pre-expended bins (PEB), re-baselining specific TRR task standards, and implementing a lean-inspired tiered workload management system.