Abstract:Predictive maintenance (PdM) can improve the aviation equipment readiness in minimal cost, and PdM is also one key enabler to agile combat support. Problems and challenges were analyzed from the perspective of maintenance and support practices in this paper. Firstly, three maintenance methods were compared and each of their suitability was discussed. Secondly, organizations, events, and forms involved in PdM were analyzed. Then, problems against implementation of PdM were summarized in terms of reduction of the maintenance workload and improvement of aviation equipment readiness. The effects of the maintenance information system were also evaluated. Challenges were explained from the perspective of personnel resource, repair parts supply, technical and organizational culture. Lastly, some suggestions were proposed to implement the PdM in our aviation equipment maintenance and support.