A high-time item is one that is approaching its maximum certified limits for flight hours or pressurization cycles. Maintenance crews track these metrics closely because parts like turbine disks, landing gear, and airframes must undergo major overhauls or be permanently retired once they reach their specified limits.
Heard on the job
We need to pull that high-time engine off the wing before it hits its cycle limit next week.
Insider tip
Buyers of used aircraft heavily discount high-time airframes because the impending mandatory overhauls often cost more than the plane is worth.