Current Status and Structurally-Focused Improvement Measures for the Domestic General Aviation (GA) Piston Engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Market
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study analyzes the current status and structural limitations of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market for piston engines within South Korea's General Aviation (GA) sector. The domestic GA market is dominated by small aircraft (MTOW <5,700kg), primarily using Lycoming engines, and light aircraft (MTOW <600kg), using Rotax engines. However, these categories are managed under a dual certification framework: the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) system and a separate Light Aircraft Safety Certification. The analysis reveals a significant structural imbalance, with domestic MRO certifications heavily concentrated in large aircraft (A1 rating) and turbine engines (B1 rating). Critically, only three organizations hold the B2 (piston engine) rating, creating a severe infrastructure gap relative to market demand. This imbalance results in a high dependency on overseas MRO services, leading to increased costs and operational delays. This study concludes that enhancing domestic piston engine MRO capability is essential for aviation safety and industrial competitiveness. It proposes institutional improvements, such as expanding the B2 AMO rating to include light aircraft engines, to foster a shared and verified domestic maintenance infrastructure. This research provided foundational data for future GA MRO policymaking and industrial development.
Authors: Hyunmin Kang, Kang-Seok Lee
Institution: Hansei University
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125926264