WestJet Airlines Ltd. is one of Canada?s leading airlines, offering service to destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. The following is a partial extract from its December 31, 2017, notes to the financial statements

Instructions

a. WestJet uses straight-line depreciation for all of its depreciable property and equipment. For which of the assets shown in Note 1 might WestJet consider using units of-production instead of straight-line depreciation? Should WestJet use units-of production for those assets?

b. According to this note, major overhaul expenditures are treated differently than other fleet maintenance costs. Explain how WestJet records these items. Is this appropriate? Why or why not?

c. WestJet depreciates the cost of leasehold improvements over the terms of the leases. Is this appropriate? Are these terms the same as the physical lives of these assets?

d. Does WestJet use component depreciation for any of its property and equipment assets? Explain.

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Note 1 (1) Statement of Significant Accounting Policies-Property and Equlpment Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated to its estimated residual value. Expected useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed annually. Asset class Aircraft, net of estimated residual value Engine, airframe and landing gear overhaul Ground property and equipment Spare engines and rotables, net of estimated residual value Buildings Leasehold improvements Basis Rate Straight-line Straight-line Straight-line Straight-line Straight-line 40 years Straight-line 5 years/Term of lease 15 to 20 years 3 to 12 years 3 to 25 years 15 to 20 years Estimated residual values of the Corporation's aircraft range between $2,500 and $8,700 (in thousands of dollars) per aircraft. Spare engines have an estimated average residual value equal to 10% of the original purchase price. Residual values, where applicable, are reviewed annually against prevailing market rates at the consolidated statement of financial position date. Major overhaul expenditures are capitalized and depreciated over the expected life between overhauls. All other costs relating to the maintenance of fleet assets are charged to the consolidated statement of earnings on consumption or as incurred. Rotable parts are purchased, depreciated and disposed of on a pooled basis. When parts are purchased, the cost is added to the pool and depreciated over its useful life of 15 to 20 years. The cost to repair rotable parts is recognized in maintenance expense as incurred.