What is the first action taken when a component goes into an AWP status at the intermediate level of maintenance?

When a component goes into an Awaiting Maintenance Processing (AWP) status at the intermediate level of maintenance, the first action taken is to ensure that it is properly packaged and preserved. This step is critical as it safeguards the component from damage during its idle time, prevents environmental degradation, and maintains its readiness for future use or repair. Proper packaging involves using suitable materials and techniques to prevent physical damage, contamination, or corrosion, ensuring that the component remains in good condition until it is needed again or sent for further maintenance.

While inspecting for defects and logging the component into the maintenance system are important actions in the overall maintenance process, they typically follow the initial step of preservation. Shipping the component to the depot would only occur after these preliminary steps have been completed, confirming that the component is ready for either repair or inventory management.