There are typically a number of components within an aero gas turbine engine that have the potential to release high-energy debris or hot gases and cause catastrophic damage if they fail in service. Airworthiness authorities require engine designers to apply rigorous design methods, and operators to apply rigorous life management procedures, in order to constrain the probability of such failures to acceptable levels. In addition, the careful management, and extension where possible, of component service lives has the potential to reduce life cycle costs by minimising component life wastage.

Therefore, the development and implementation of a formal management plan is recommended to constrain airworthiness risk to acceptable levels and optimise engine and component life utilisation. These design and management disciplines are commonly referred to as Engine Structural Integrity (ESI) management, or engine life management. QinetiQ Novare can assist clients to develop Engine Structural Integrity Management Plans and establish appropriate ESI management systems for their engine fleets.