We can say that every plane go through five phases in its lifetime.
The first phase is the design phase where it is suggested as only an idea. The starting phase, where producers push the limits, try to see the future and strive to make a difference; the effort to reach perfection within facilities and the feedbacks obtained from the other four subsequent phases. The competition to capture the perfect composition of many variables such as what innovation will be made in comparison to the old ones, its size, capacity, range, geometrical shape and aerodynamic features. The only phases where a lot of risks are taken and it is a wager.
The second phase is the production phase. Now all decisions have been made and mass production has begun. A brand-new craft whose tests resulted positively, and is sure to satisfy its customers and operators. The phase that ends with plane being delivered from factory to its owner, where it is in the spotlight and expected to prove itself, where great hopes are set and the investment made is seen fully for the first time.
The third phase is the operation phase. The basic phase that has critical importance because this is when the plane carries, transports and increases prestige and creates income by starting to run and fly. Now the theoretical calculations and promises are behind, this phase is where it is determined if the plane satisfies the operator in terms of travel satisfaction and income satisfaction.
The fourth is the maintenance and repair phase. Another critical phase where how much care it needs after its performance that satisfies its passengers and operator becomes clear. The additional phase where if the advantages it brings are enough to compensate for the maintenance it requires is determined by its operator. The decision phase where it falls out of favor if it requires a lot of maintenance although it serves very well and if it does not, it becomes the apple of its operator’s eye.
The fifth and final phase is scrapping and recycling phase. The phase when its life story is fully known, its best and worst performance is remembered, and it is so decrepit that it cannot fly anymore. The most precious phase that is full of wisdom in its own world and that offers invaluable data to be used in the conceptual design of new products when aviation knowledge accumulation is concerned. The final phase where although it is retired from service, people try to make it useful again and put all its parts to use again as spare parts. The resurrection phase where some are lucky enough to meet visitors, although at museums not in the sky and some support their friends by turning into thousands of spare parts.
Aviation is an endless industry that begins a new cycle by giving the flag to the first phase following the final phase. An incorrigible explorer craving for perfection through constant improvement. And its most valuable asset is the veteran planes that always offer a lesson to learn, regardless of its life story.