A simple overview of RCM (reliability centered maintenance). What it is, and in particular, what it is not. RCM has its origin in the aviation world and its inventors developed what eventually became the blueprint in the form of a process defined in SAE-JA1011 (Society of Automotive Engineers). If you were to read the text of the SAE-JA1011 the reader would see that while the concept of RCM has merit for Part 91 general aviation operations, the multitude of operating variables we deal with, combined with the lack of consistent data and in-depth  analysis, can prevent full implementation of its concepts. This multitude of variables is what prevents or makes it almost impossible to accurately use full RCM capabilities in our low-level aircraft operations.