Summary

GAO reviewed the Air Force's practice of refurbishing used engines in the KC-135 re-engining program to evaluate the criteria that the Air Force uses to determine the need for overhaul.

GAO found that the Air Force has neither recognized the economic life remaining in selected commercial engines nor taken full advantage of life-limiting parts before extensive refurbishment. Such refurbishment levels should be predetermined on a cost-effective basis in view of the Air Force's expected maintenance and overhaul capability, fleet size, flying hour programs, and any other relevant data.