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ABSTRACT
Aircraft maintenance is one of the world’s sophisticated departments in the Aviation industry. Even though the number of air accidents or incidents has reduced considerably in the 20th century, the safety of the airplanes is always a concern in the minds of people. A crash may be due to several reasons but poor aircraft maintenance, maintenance error and maintenance negligence are commonly found to be the top three causes of aviation accidents.
According to Transport Canada, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is one of the key personnel in the aviation industry who is licensed to sign the maintenance release for certified aircraft returning to service. AME is responsible for making sure that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition. This report addresses every detail about the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with reference to Transport Canada. It deals with the training and licensing of an AME, nature of work, responsibilities and types of checks performed by the maintenance Engineer. It also covers, in detail, the documents and reports that have to be maintained by the AME. A few examples of air crashes due to maintenance error or negligence have also been discussed.
Keywords: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Transport Canada
INTRODUCTION
Aircraft Maintenance:
Aircraft Maintenance means the preservation, inspection, overhaul and repair of an aircraft. The purpose of maintenance is to make sure that the aircraft is airworthy throughout its operational life. Although maintenance requirements vary from aircraft to aircraft, numbers show that most aircrafts require some type of preventive maintenance every 25 hours or less of flying time and minor maintenance every 100 hours of flying time. The number of flying hours is also influenced by the kind of operation, climatic conditions, age of aircraft, condition of aircraft, etc.
Aircraft maintenance is highly regulated. There are several airworthiness authorities around the globe. This report deals with the regulations with respect to Transport Canada. The major authorities are listed below:
Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) Brazil Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) China Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom) (CAA) Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australia Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India) (DGCA) India European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Europe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) United States Transport Canada (TC) Canada
Introduction to Transport Canada
Transport Canada is the department within the government of Canada which is responsible for the developing regulations, policies and services of transportation in Canada. Transport Canada is responsible for enforcing several Canadian legislations and the Aeronautics Act is just one of them. The Aeronautics act is the legislation that governs civil aviation in Canada. The Department of Transport was created in 1935 by the government of William Lyon Mackenzie King in recognition of the changing transportation environment in Canada at the time.
Transport Canada's role in aviation appears to be the most systematic. Until 1996, Transport Canada was responsible for both regulation of aviation and the operation of air traffic services, as well as the operation of most major airports. On November 1, 1996, these responsibilities were divided between Transport Canada and NAV Canada. The Transport Canada remains responsible for regulation and Nav Canada took over responsibility for all civilian air traffic services. Transport Canada remains to be responsible for licensing pilots and
other aviation specialists such as dispatchers and mechanics as well as registering and inspecting aircraft. It is also responsible for the safety certification and continuous safety oversight of most forms of commercial operations. Also the Transport Canada controls The Canadian Air Regulations (CARs).
Canadian Air Regulations (CARs)
The Canadian Air Regulations (CARs) are the rules that govern the civil aviation in Canada. The CARs consist of regulations, standards and advisory material. Regulations and standards should strictly be followed without any deviation while complying with the advisory material is not mandatory. Standards explain the process of complying with the regulations. CARs are divided into nine functional parts namely: Part I – General Provisions Part II – Aircraft Identification and Registration and Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a
Non-registered Owner Part III – Aerodromes, Airports and Heliports Part IV – Personnel Licensing and Training Part V – Airworthiness Part VI – General Operating and Flight Rules Part VII – Commercial Air Services Part VIII – Air Navigation Services Part IX – Repeals and Coming into Force
Numbering:
The regulations are numbered starting at the beginning of the part. Other than Part V of CARs, the regulations are numbered in 700 series. Part V is numbered exclusively (500 series) to match the US FAA as well as EASA and JAA regulations. The standards are numbered in the 20 series, for example- CAR 720 refers to a standard. And the advisory material is numbered in 40 series like CAR 740 refers to advisory material. The part that deals with Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is the Part V which focuses on airworthiness.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
In Canada, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is a person who is Transport Canada licensed to sign the maintenance release for a certified aircraft returning to service. There are different license ratings for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer depending on the type of aircraft. The ratings are specified as M1, M2, E, S and B. Each rating has been discussed in detail in the following chapters.
The general duties of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer include, but are not limited to aircraft heavy maintenance, Engine heavy maintenance and subparts and aircraft components and other systems. It is a challenging and rewarding work. The latest generation aircrafts require sophisticated skill sets and comprehensive education. The AME must possess a very strong knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics and aircraft structures along with a clear understanding of the interrelationship among the components on an aircraft. Aircraft maintenance is also a manual-driven industry that requires a high level of literacy and numeracy skills and the ability to follow technical drawings and blueprints. The responsibilities have been discussed in detail in the following chapters.
Transport Canada
The Nature of Working of Aircraft Maintenance Technician:
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is responsible for the release of certification of aircraft after maintenance, inspection, repair and modification. Some of the responsibility of AME is mentioned below:
Certifying airworthiness of airframe, piston and turbine engines, electronic systems, propellers and rotary systems
Troubleshooting aircraft electrical, mechanical and structural systems to identify the nature of the defect
Repairing, overhauling and adjusting the aircraft system according to the procedures, technical drawings and specification established in the authorised manuals
Installing or modifying mechanical, pneumatic, electrical flight control, fuel and hydraulic system
Supervising, performing and documenting routine maintenance
MAINTENANCE TASKSAn aircraft Maintenance Engineer certified by Transport Canada should have followings field rating licence to perform task In the absence of the formal AME log book, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer should hold M, S and E licence rating to know the method to perform the maintenance task excerpt from AWM 566.
1. Maintenance
2. Avionics
3. Structure
Maintenance rating (M1-M2) checklist: Proof of having completed aircraft maintenance tasks shall take the form of a certification by the AME, or equivalent person who supervised the work. The certification statement shall include the date, aircraft type, registration mark, or component serial number as applicable, and confirm that the Engineer is able to:
(A) Identify the applicable standard for the task; (B) select the proper tools; (C) perform the work correctly without supervision; and (D) complete the necessary documentation. Persons who sign for completion of maintenance tasks shall be responsible for the accuracy of statements made.
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 05
Time limits
Mtce Checks
100 hour check (general aviation
aircraft)
Involvement in A,B or C check
(transport category aircraft)
Review records for compliance with
airworthiness directives
Review records for compliance with
component life limits
Inspection following heavy landing
Inspection following lightening
strike
ATA 06
Dimensions/
Areas
Locate components by station
number
Perform symmetry check
ATA 07
Lifting/Shoring
Jack aircraft nose or tail wheel
Jack complete aircraft
Sling or trestle major component
ATA 08
Levelling/
Weighing
Level Aircraft
Weigh Aircraft
Prepare weight and balance
amendment
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Check aircraft against equipment list
ATA 09
Towing
Taxiing
Tow aircraft
Taxi aircraft
ATA 10
Parking
Mooring
Tie down aircraft
Park,secure and cover aircraft
Secure rotor blades
Position aircraft in dock
ATA 11
Placards
Markings
Check aircraft for correct placards
Check aircraft for correct markings
ATA 12
Servicing
Refuel aircraft
Defuel aircraft
Check tire pressures
Check oil level
Check hydraulic fluid level
Check accumulator pressure
Charge pneumatic system
Grease aircraft
Connect ground power
Service toilet/water system
Perform pre-flight check
ATA 18 Analyze helicopter vibration
problem
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Vibration/Noise
Analysis
Analyze noise spectrum
ATA 21
Air
Conditioning
Replenish vapour system
Replace combustion heater
Replace outflow valve
Replace vapour cycle unit
Replace air cycle unit
Replace cabin blower
Replace heat exchanger
Replace pressurization controller
Clean outflow valves
Check operation of air
conditioning/heating system
Check operation of pressurization
system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 22
Auto Flight
Install servos
Rig bridle cables
Replace controller
Replace amplifier
Check operation of auto-pilot
Check operation of auto-throttle
Check operation of yaw damper
Check and adjust servo clutch
Perform autopilot gain adjustments
Perform mach trim functional check
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 23
Communication
s
Replace VHF com unit
Replace HF com unit
Replace existing antenna
Install new antenna
Replace static discharge wicks
Check operation of radios
Perform antenna check
Perform selcal operational check
Perform operational check of
passenger address system
Functionally check audio integrating
system
Repair co-axial cable
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 24
Electrical
Power
Charge lead/acid battery
Charge ni-cad battery
Check battery capacity
Replace cells
Deep-cycle ni-cad battery
Replace generator
Replace switches
Replace circuit breakers
Adjust voltage regulator
Amend electrical load analysis
report
Repair/replace electrical feeder cable
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 25 Replace carpets
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Equipment
Furnishings
Replace crew seats
Replace passenger seats
Check inertia reels
Check seats/belts for security
Check emergency equipment
Check ELT for compliance with
regulations
Repair toilet waste container
Repair upholstery
Change cabin configuration
ATA 26
Fire Protection
Check fire bottle contents
Check operation of warning system
Check cabin fire extinguisher
contents
Check lavatory smoke detector
system
Install new fire bottle
Replace fire bottle squib
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 27
Flight Controls
Replace horizontal stabilizer
Replace elevator
Replace aileron
Replace rudder
Replace trim tabs
Install control cable and fittings
Replace flaps
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Replace powered flying control unit
Replace flap actuator
Adjust trim tab
Adjust control cable tension
Check control range and sense of
movement
Check for correct assembly and
locking
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 28
Fuel
Replace booster pump
Replace fuel selector
Replace fuel tank cells
Check filters
Flow check system
Check calibration of fuel quantity
gauges
Check operation feed/selectors
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 29
Hydraulics
Replace engine driven pump
Replace standby pump
Replace accumulator
Check operation of shut off valve
Check filters
Check indicating systems
Perform functional checks
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 30 Replace fluid tank
Replace pump
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Ice and Rain
Protection
Replace timer
Replace distributor
Install wiper motor
Repair de-icing boot
Adjust brush block
Check operation of systems
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 31
Indicating
Recording
Systems
Replace flight data recorder
Replace cockpit voice recorder
Replace clock
Replace panel vibrator
Replace master caution unit
Perform FDR calibration/correlation
check
Perform FDR data retrieval
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 32
Landing Gear
Build up wheel
Replace main wheel
Replace nose wheel
Replace shimmy damper
Rig nose wheel steering
Replace shock strut seals
Replace brake unit
Replace brake control valve
Bleed brakes
Test antiskid unit
Test gear retraction
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Change bungees
Install Floats
Install Skis
Adjust micro switches
Charge struts
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 33
Lights
Repair/replace rotating beacon
Repair/replace landing lights
Repair/replace navigation lights
Repair/replace interior lights
Repair/replace emergency lighting
system
Perform emergency lighting system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 34
Navigation
Calibrate magnetic direction
indicator
Replace airspeed indicator
Replace altimeter
Replace air data computer
Replace VOR unit
Replace ADI
Replace HSI
Check pilot static system for leaks
Check operation of directional gyro
Functional check of weather radar
Functional check doppler
Functional check TCAS
Functional check DME
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Functional check ATC Transponder
Functional check flight director
system
Functional check inertial nav system
Complete quadrantal error
correction of ADF system
Update flight management system
data base
Check calibration of altimeter
system
Check calibration of pressure
altitude reporting system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 35
Oxygen
Inspect on board oxygen equipment
Purge and recharge oxygen system
Replace regulator
Replace oxygen generator
Test crew oxygen system
Perform auto oxygen system
deployment check
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 36
Pneumatic
Systems
Replace filter
Replace compressor
Recharge dessicator
Adjust regulator
Check for leaks
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 37 Replace vacuum pump
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Vacuum
Systems
Check/replace filters
Adjust regulator
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 38
Water/Waste
Replace water pump
Replace faucet
Replace toilet pump
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 45
Central Mtce
System
Retrieve data from CMU
Replace CMU
Perform Bite check
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 49
Airborne
Auxiliary
Power
Install APU
Inspect hot section
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 51
Structures
Sheet metal repair
Composite repair
Wood repair
Fabric repair
Recover fabric control surface
Treat corrosion
Apply protective treatment
ATA 52
Doors
Rig/adjust locking mechanism
Adjust air stair system
Check operation of emergency exits
Test door warning system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 56
Windows
Replace windshield
Replace window
Repair transparency
ATA 57
Wings
Skin repair
Recover fabric wing
Replace tip
Replace rib
Check incidence/rig
ATA 61
Propeller
Assemble prop after transportation
Replace propeller
Replace governor
adjust governor
Perform static functional checks
Check operation during ground run
Check track
Check setting of micro switches
Dress out blade damage
Dynamically balance prop
Overhaul governor
Overhaul prop.
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 62
Main Rotors
Install rotor assembly
Replace blades
Replace damper assembly
Check track
Check static balance
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Check dynamic balance
Troubleshoot
ATA 63
Rotor Drive
Replace mast
Replace drive coupling
Replace clutch/freewheel unit
Replace drive belt
Install main gearbox
Overhaul main gearbox
Check gearbox chip detectors
ATA 64
Tail Rotors
Install rotor assembly
Replace blades
Troubleshoot
ATA 65
Tail Rotor
Drive
Replace bevel gearbox
Replace universal joints
Overhaul bevel gearbox
Install drive assembly
Check chip detectors
ATA 67
Rotorcraft
Flight Controls
Install swash plate
Install mixing box
Adjust pitch links
Rig collective system
Rig cyclic system
Rig anti-torque system
Check controls for assembly and
locking
Check controls for operation and
sense
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 71
Power Plant
Build up ECU
Replace engine
Replace scat hose
Repair cooling baffles
Repair cowling
Adjust cowl flaps
Repair faulty wiring
Troubleshoot
ATA 72
Piston Engines
Remove/install reduction gear
Overhaul engine
Top overhaul
Check crankshaft run-out
Check tappet clearance
Check compression
Extract broken stud
Install helicoil
Perform ground run
Establish/check reference RPM
Troubleshoot
ATA 72
Turbine
Engines
Replace module
Hot section inspection
Engine ground run
Establish reference power
Trend monitoring/gas path analysis
Troubleshoot
ATA 73 Replace engine driven pump
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Fuel and
Control,
Piston
Adjust AMC
Adjust ABC
Install carburettor/injector
Adjust carburettor/injector
Clean injector nozzles
Replace primer line
Check carburettor float setting
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 73
Fuel and
Control,
Turbine
Replace FCU
Replace engine driven pump
Clean/test fuel nozzles
Clean/replace filters
Adjust FCU
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 74
Ignition
Systems,
Piston
Change magneto
Change ignition vibrator
Change plugs
Test plugs
Check H.T. leads
Install new leads
Check timing
Check system bonding
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 74
Ignition
Systems,
Check glow plugs/ignitors
Check H.T. leads
Check ignition unit
Replace ignition unit
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Turbine
ATA 76
Engine Controls
Rig thrust lever
Rig RPM control
Rig mixture HP cock lever
Rig power lever
Check control sync (multi-eng)
Check controls for correct assembly
and locking
Check controls for range and sense
of operation
Adjust pedestal micro-switches
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 77
Engine
indicating
Replace engine instruments
Replace oil temperature bulb
Replace thermocouples
Check calibration
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 78
Exhaust, Piston
Replace exhaust gasket
Inspect welded repair
Pressure check cabin heater muff
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 78
Exhaust,
Turbine
Change jetpipe
Change shroud assembly
Install trimmers
ATA 79 Change oil
Check filters
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Oil Adjust pressure relief valve
Replace oil tank
Replace oil pump
Replace oil cooler
Replace firewall shut off valve
Perform oil dilution
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 80
Starting
Replace starter
Replace start relay
Replace start control valve
Check cranking speed
Troubleshoot
ATA 81
Turbines, Piston
Engines
Replace PRT
Replace turbo-blower
Replace heat shields
Replace waste-gate
Adjust density controller
ATA 82
Engine Water
Injection
Replace water/methanol pump
Flow check water/meth. System
Adjust water/meth. control unit
Check fluid for quality
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 83
Accessory Gear
Boxes
Replace gearbox
Replace drive shaft
Check chip detector
Avionics (E) License:
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 05
Time limits
Mtce Checks
Review records for compliance
with airworthiness directives
Review records for compliance
with component life limits
ATA 06
Dimensions
Areas
Locate components by station
number
ATA 08
Levelling/
Weighing
Prepare weight and balance
amendment
Check aircraft against equipment
list
ATA 21
Air
Conditioning
Check operation of air
conditioning/heating system
Check operation of pressurization
system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 22
Auto Flight
Install servos
Rig bridle cables
Replace controller
Replace amplifier
Check operation of auto-pilot
Check operation of auto-throttle
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Check operation of yaw damper
Check and adjust servo clutch
Perform autopilot gain adjustments
Perform mach trim functional
check
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 23
Communicati
ons
Replace VHF com unit
Replace HF com unit
Replace existing antenna
Install new antenna
Replace static discharge wicks
Check operation of radios
Perform antenna check
Perform selcal operational check
Perform operational check of
passenger address system
Functionally check audio
integrating system
Repair co-axial cable
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 24
Electrical
Power
Charge lead/acid battery
Charge ni-cad battery
Check battery capacity
Replace cells
Deep-cycle ni-cad battery
Replace generator
Replace switches
Replace circuit breakers
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Adjust voltage regulator
Amend electrical load analysis
report
Repair/replace electrical feeder
cable
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 25
Equipment
Furnishings
Check ELT for compliance with
regulations
ATA 26
Fire
Protection
Check operation of warning system
Check lavatory smoke detector
system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 28
Fuel
Calibrate of fuel quantity gauges
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 29
Hydraulics
Check indicating systems
Perform functional checks
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 30
Ice and Rain
Protection
Replace timer
Replace distributor
Install wiper motor
Repair de-icing boot
Check operation of systems
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 31
Indicating
Recording
Systems
Replace flight data recorder
Replace cockpit voice recorder
Replace clock
Replace panel vibrator
Replace master caution unit
Perform FDR
calibration/correlation check
Perform FDR data retrieval
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 32
Landing Gear
Test antiskid unit
Adjust micro switches
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 33
Lights
Repair/replace rotating beacon
Repair/replace landing lights
Repair/replace navigation lights
Repair/replace interior lights
Repair/replace emergency lighting
system
Perform emergency lighting system
checks
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 34
Navigation
Calibrate magnetic direction
indicator
Replace airspeed indicator
Replace altimeter
Replace air data computer
Replace VOR unit
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Replace ADI
Replace HSI
Check pilot static system for leaks
Check operation of directional gyro
Functional check of weather radar
Functional check doppler
Functional check TCAS
Functional check DME
Functional check ATC
Transponder
Functional check flight director
system
Functional check Inertial nav
system
Complete quadrantal error
correction of ADF system
Update flight management system
data base
Check calibration of altimeter
system
Check calibration of pressure
altitude reporting system
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 38
Water/Waste
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 45 Retrieve data from CMU
Replace CMU
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Central Mtce
System
Perform Bite check
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 52
Doors
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 61
Propeller
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 62
Main Rotors
Troubleshoot
ATA 67
Rotocraft
flight controls
Trouble shoot faulty system
ATA 64
Tail Rotors
Troubleshoot
ATA 71
Power Plant
Repair faulty wiring
Troubleshoot
ATA 72
Piston Engines
Perform ground run
Troubleshoot
ATA 72
Turbine
Perform ground run
Troubleshoot
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Engines
ATA 73
Fuel and
Control,
Piston
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 73
Fuel and
Control,
Turbine
Adjust FCU
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 74
Ignition
Systems,
Piston
Check timing
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 74
Ignition
Systems,
Turbine
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 76
Engine
Controls
Check control sync (multi-eng)
Adjust pedestal micro-switches
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
ATA 77
Engine
indicating
Replace engine instruments
Replace oil temperature bulb
Replace thermocouples
Check calibration
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 78
Exhaust,
Piston
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 79
Oil
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 80
Starting
Replace starter relay
Check cranking speed
Troubleshoot
ATA 81
Turbines,
Piston
Engines
Adjust density controller
ATA 82
Engine Water
Injection
Check fluid for quality
Troubleshoot faulty system
ATA 83
Accessory
Check chip detector
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Gear Boxes
Structures (s) License:
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Corrosion
Control
Removal and treatment of
aluminium alloy corrosion
Removal and treatment of steel alloy
corrosion
Removal and treatment of
magnesium alloy corrosion
Prepare metal surface by shot
peening
Perform removal and treatment of
galvanic corrosion
Corrosion
Assessment
Perform inspection of aircraft
structure for corrosion
Perform removal of affected
corroded areas by
chemical/mechanical methods
Perform measurement of corrosion
damage
Perform test of metal composites for
corrosion
Perform non-destructive testing
inspection (NDI) and interpret
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
results
Aircraft
Drawings
Interpret information from
blueprints
Sealing Prepare metal/wood/composite
surfaces for sealing
Select/mix and apply sealants to
seams, joints and fasteners
Fastener
installation
Identify fasteners and prepare lay
out pattern
Drill, ream and countersink holes
Identify solid rivet types
Perform heat treatment of rivets
Perform rivet installation (set and
buck)
Perform installation of special
fasteners/swage threadless collars
Perform installation of panel and
cowl fasteners
Perform installation of blind
bolts/nuts/rivets/rivnuts
Perform installation of threaded
fasteners/self and non-self locking
fasteners
Remove and install heli-coil
Structural
Damage
Perform visual inspection of
damaged area
Interpret NDI results
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Assessment Draw sketch of damaged area and
determine required repair
Aircraft
Structure and
Designs
Remove, install and align wing
assembly after repair
Remove, repair, balance, install and
rig flight control surfaces
Perform sheet metal repair to
monocoque/semi-monocoque
fuselages
Perform a weld repair to tubular
structure
Engine &
Mounting
Perform a weld repair to an engine
mount
Metallurgy and
Heat Treatment
of Metals
Perform heat treatment of
ferrous/non-ferrous metals
Perform hardness testing of
ferrous/and non ferrous metals
Assembly Install and align parts using
jigs/holding fixtures
Install parts maintaining tolerances
Install, trim and fit parts
Perform drilling, reaming and
countersinking of holes
Removal, disassembly, reassembly
and installation of components and
parts to gain access to a sheet metal
repair
Perform dressing and deburring of
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
repaired area
Application of corrosion protection
Application of required sealants
Perform bonding/spot weld parts
Assemble parts using structural
fasteners
Remove/fabricate/install safety
flight control cables
Remove old sealant, prepare and
apply sealant to “wet wing” fuel
tank and pressure test tank for leaks
Removal, repair and installation of
wing leading
edge/vertical/horizontal stabilizer
surfaces after hail/bird strike
damage.
Remove, prepare and install de-icing
boots to wing leading
edge/vertical/horizontal stabilizer
surfaces
Removal, prepare and install
propeller de-icing boots
Landing Gear Repair main/nose landing gear doors
Repair to skis/floats
Sheet Metal
Structures
Remove, repair/replace damaged
parts
Reinforce/splice/replace structural
sheet metal parts
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Reinforce/splice/replace forgings
and extrusions
Remove and replace rod-end fittings
Repair non-structural cabin interior
lining
Perform stop drilling of small cracks
in sheet metal parts
Prepare and install patch to sheet
metal skins
Sheet Metal
Fabrication
Read and interpret technical
drawings
Perform layout patterns templates
Perform cutting of material to size
Form sheet metal with hand/machine
tools
Perform cold-working of fastener
holes
Perform sawing and routing of sheet
metal
Perform stop drilling of small cracks
in sheet metal
Composite
Structures -
Composite
Repairs
Perform sanding/grinding routing of
damaged area
Prepare damaged area by step/taper
standing
Perform fabrication of pattern for
cutting cloth patches
Perform wetting-out of fabric with
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
resin and cut out patches
Perform a lay-up repair ply/plies
using wet/pre-preg cloth
Perform curing of repairs at room
temperature
Perform curing of repairs with heat
blankets/oven
Perform check for delamination
Perform installation of inserts
Perform sanding/priming and
painting of repaired surface
Composite
Fabrication
Perform fabrication of master model
Perform removal of mould from
master model
Perform fabrication of cutting
pattern for lay-up plies
Prepare plies for wet/pre-preg lay-up
Prepare mould surface
Perform curing of lay-up with heat
blanket/oven/autoclave/room
Perform check for improper bonding
Perform trimming of excess from
parts/structure being fabricated
Perform sanding/priming/painting of
fabricated parts
Fabric and
Wood Repair
Perform fabric tests
Perform repair to fabric covering
Perform recovering of aircraft fabric
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
surfaces
Perform application of dope to
aircraft fabric surfaces
Perform application of paint to
recovered fabric surfaces
Wood
Structures
Perform inspection of wood
structures
Perform selection of aircraft grade
wood
Perform repair/replacement to
aircraft wood structure
Perform sealing and refinishing to
an aircraft wood structure
Perform lamination of fabric to an
aircraft wood structure
Perform application of varnish to an
aircraft wood structure
Fluid Lines and
Conduits
Perform bending of tubing as per
drawings/sample
Perform fabrication of flexible hoses
and leak test
Perform fabrication of conduits and
manifolds
Windows Perform inspection of aircraft
windows
Remove and install cockpit
windshield/sliding windows/side
windows
ATA MAINTENANCE TASKS INITIAL
DATE A/C TYPE
A/C REG. or COMPONENT S/N#
Perform buffing/polishing of
windows
HAZARDS AND REGULATION FOR PREVENTION:
Transport Canada is liable for developing the regulations, policies and programs transportation in Canada. TC promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation. It is also accountable for the safety certification and continuous safety lapse of greatest form of commercial procedures. Transport Canada collects information on all the accidents and issues regardless of the level of issue, by the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System.
Preceding to 1990 the Transport Canada was responsible for the aircraft incident investigation done by Aircraft accident investigation Branch and Canadian Aviation Safety Board. Later the role was transferred to transportation Safety Board of Canada. TC uses various surveillance fleet like de Havilland Canada Dash 7-150IR, Bombardier Dash 8M-100, Cessna 550 Citation II and Beechcraft King Air C90A.
Transport Canada finalised review on the Canadian Aviation Safety Board on the crash of a DC-8 at Gander, Newfoundland. The accident was subjected to a clash among the safety board members. Few members said that the crash was due to formation of ice on the wings leading to stalling of the aircraft. On other hand few other member said that the crash was due to on-board fire or Explosion, perhaps triggered by a bomb. The review was majorly focused on the majority of safety board endorsement on action that should be taken to avoid problems exposed in the investigation.
TC highlights the icing Hazard in a series of seasonal flying safety updating its conducts for pilots. In addition the air and ground crews performs a check for icing when the weather suggests there may be wing ice.
Canada's Transportation Safety Board database specifies 20 flap failures were stated in 2005, 28 in 2006 and 24 in January alone. Bombardier and Canadian aviation authorities carry on to seek strategies to eliminate the growing safety threat.
It has been pointed out in the "Board Concern" document submitted to Canada's Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon to lessening the number of failures, that the flap malfunction has not been directly linked to an accident and that the risk of one remains low. Transport safety board
highlights that a flap malfunction in mixture with other actions could eventually lead to critical incident or accident.
For example, the Transport safety board points to the investigation on the incident linking an Air Canada Jazz CL-600-2B19. Flight 8205 was cleared to approach in Runway 33 at Prince George, British Columbia, airport. On final approach the flaps were set at 45 degree and the flight crew had to start the missed approach, but the flaps didn’t retract and remained at 45 degree, even though diverting to an alternate airport, attempt was unsuccessful. An accident might have caused eventually but landed safely at Fort St. John with 49 passengers and 3 crew and with only 500 lb of fuel left.
In fact, the transport safety board indicates that landing without flaps considerably increases landing speed up to 30%. Including other situations, like stimulating weather or poor runway conditions, landing without flaps will increase the possibility for an accident.
A sequence of drive units and flexible shafts are linked to actuators to extend or retract the flaps with the help of the flap electronic control unit, FECU monitors system components and flap position and also detects the problems, a signal is sent that causes the power drive unit to stop and flap brakes to deploy.
The flap failure problem is not something new. Transport Canada airworthiness derivatives following malfunctions in the system that occasioned in twisted outboard flap panels.
It is to prevent the failure of the flap system, that ultimately will result in the in a malfunction of the flaps and reduced stability of the aircraft. Bombardier, The aircraft manufacturer has distributed service bulletins and revisions regarding the equipment setting up and started an all-out review of flap system design. Bombardier, Transport Canada and the TSB are working together in close manner to develop the perfect strategies to remove the issues, and additional actions soon were taken by the operators.
Checks, Checklists, and Drills
1. General — Checks, Checklists, and Drills have been developed for the operation of the aircraft to ensure that the required actions are not inadvertently omitted or completed in an inappropriate sequence. A checklist is the physical written document that is associated with the check. A drill is a check for an abnormal or emergency situation that requires immediate action and is therefore; carried out from memory without reference to the checklist. If a check forms part of a procedure where crew coordination is required, the items comprising the check will be included in the table describing the procedure. The
individual check items will be the on the first line of each of the cells that describe a portion of the procedure. The expanded procedure is divided into columns of PF and PNF actions. The expanded checklists provide additional detail for each checklist item. The abbreviated form of the checklists are found on that shall be carried onboard the aircraft.
2. Completion of Checks and Drills — All checks and drills once initiated shall be carried out in the sequence that they are listed until complete. No items may be deleted nor the order be altered. If it is necessary to interrupt a check or drill, the person saying the Challenge or the Action shall indicate the item that the check is being held at by stating "Holding at item." Should the crew lose track of the progress of the check then the check must be re-started from the beginning or commenced from the last item known to be completed. Check and drills are not to be completed from memory unless indicated. Generally, the only memory procedures are for emergency drills that require immediate action; and checks that are typically done in a high workload environment where a memory procedure would be advantageous.
3. Checklist Verbal Procedures — when saying a check item or response, the specific wording in the checklist shall be used. Whenever a specific quantity is involved, that quantity shall be stated in the response, eg. "Flaps 15 set." When more than one crew member is required to respond, the standard sequence shall be: Pilot, Co-pilot, FE, cabin crew. An example for a challenge as to whether harnesses are secure would be responded to as follows: "Pilot secure", "Co-pilot secure", "FE secure", and Cabin secure.
4. Situational Awareness — Checks and drills are specified as either verbal or non-verbal. Verbal checks are so designated to further the situational awareness of and to provide a measure of monitoring by other crew members. Situations may arise where it is more desirable to silently carry out a specific check or drill that is normally done verbally. In such a situation the Captain or PF may direct that a specific check or drill be carried out silently. The applicable crew member will then verbally state only when the check is complete.
5. Crew Members Assigned to Complete Checks — The actions required to be carried out during a check are normally assigned to a specific crew member indicated in the checklist by Pilots, Co-pilots, FE etc. However, situations may arise where it is inadvisable for the assigned crew member to carry out the action. In such cases the Captain may assign another crew member to complete the task. When a check or portion of a check is assigned to a crew member other than as indicated in the checklist, all flight crew members are to be clearly apprised of the assignment.
6. Layout of Checklists — Checklists are laid out using the following conventions:
1. The title block is printed at the left margin with the title in bold, underlined, uppercase text. Any symbols such as bullets are to the left of the title by two spaces. Any direction about who is to read the check may be printed in bold face type and enclosed in brackets two spaces to the right of the main title. An example follows:
BEFORE LANDING CHECK (Challenge and Response)
2. To the extent practical, the actual text of labels that are found on switches or controls are used in the checklists. If a label is available for the setting or position that a switch or control is to be moved to, the actual text of the setting or position is used in the checklist. When the actual text of a label is used in a checklist it is printed in uppercase type. When other than the actual text of a label is used, the item is printed in standard title format, ie. first character uppercase and remaining characters lower case. Any symbols (such as bullets, 24 hour check indicators) are to the left of the item by two spaces.
3. The subject or target of the desired action is shown at the left side of the checklist in normal type (not bold).
4. The action to be taken is shown on the right side of the checklist in bold face type.
5. The items on the left and the items on the right side are joined by dot leaders.
6. When a specific person must carry out an action or, if an action can only be carried out from a specific seat, the requirement is indicated by the person/position shown in normal face type enclosed in brackets at the centre of the line, ie. (Co-pilot) or (PNF).
7. Types of Checks and Drills — The checks and drills for the aircraft chosen are divided into two primary categories: Abnormal/Emergency Procedures, and Normal Procedures.
1. The Abnormal and Emergency checks and drills are found in the second part of the checklist document and can be differentiated from the normal checks .The Abnormal and Emergency checks and drills are expanded upon and discussed in the chapter dedicated to those procedures.
2. The checks for Normal Procedures can further be divided as follows:
Non-verbal checks — These checks are completed silently with or without reference to the printed checklist. The following are the Non-verbal Checks for the aircraft chosen aircraft. All checks are to be completed verbally.
1. Pre-external Check;
2. External Check;
3. Internal Check;
4. Flight Deck Geographic Check (Pilot);
5. Flight Deck Geographic Check (Co-pilot);
6. Flight Deck Geographic Check (FE).
Verbal Challenge and Response Checks — These checks require participation by two or more crew members are called challenge and response checks. Challenge and Response checks are indicated by the words "(Challenge and Response) in the title block of the check. The challenge portion of these checks is not done from memory unless specifically indicated by a large bullet "·" in the
title block for the check or by a medium bullet "l" next to an item. Checks that are done from memory are done in the same manner as non-memory checks except that the challenge is issued from memory. Challenge and Response checks are typically completed in the following manner:
1. The check is called for by the PF
2. The PNF acknowledges by repeating the name of the check (ie. "Before Start Check").
3. The PNF or FE says the challenge item on the left side of the line on the checklist.
4. The responder carries out the required action, and then says the appropriate response which is found on the right side of the line. The responder is assumed to be the PF unless otherwise indicated on the checklist line. Due to the construction of the aircraft or due to company policy, it may be necessary that an item be completed by a person other than the PF. In such a case that person would complete the item and say the appropriate response.
5. At the completion of all items of the check the PNF will say the name of the checklist and that it is complete (ie. "Before Start Check complete").
Verbal Action and Confirmation Checks — these checks do not require the challenge of other crew members. The checks are carried out by one person either from memory or by reference to the checklist. Verbal Action and Confirmation Checks are indicated by the lack of the words "(Challenge and Response)" in the title block. The title of the person that is to carry them out is shown in the title block as either (PNF) or (FE). Checks that are to be carried out from memory are indicated with a large bullet "l" in the title block for the check. Verbal Action and Confirmation Checks are typically completed in the following manner:
1. The check is called for by the PF.
2. The PNF or FE says the action on the left side of the checklist line.
3. The PNF carries out the required action then says the applicable confirmation on the right side of the checklist line.
4. At the completion of all items of the check the PNF will say the name of the check and that it is complete.
Aircraft maintenance engineer log book
This document is to be used by engineers as a record of the individual’s
employment history, experience, and qualifications. It can be used to confirm
technical competency when applying for a license, examination, or seeking
employment, the AME log book is a compact and portable reference
document that have been derived from current regulatory requirements.
It is produced in loose-leaf form giving the freedom to add pages when
required, and designed in a specific format and layout to enable progressive
recording of personal and work experience information by its holder. Which
make it easier and more accurate to assess the user’s experience and
technical knowledge by an authority, employer, or assessor.
Content: instructions for use, personal data, employment record, basic skills,
maintenance experience task record, typical maintenance tasks, and
glossary.
Every task filled in the log book should be signed by a task supervisor who is
authorized by Transport Canada to conduct practical training or on job
training. The supervisor shall confirm the required entries by appending his
name, signature, and license number in the appropriate column.
Some of the skills available in the log book: general aircraft maintenance,
common mechanical fitting practices, assembly/ disassembly practices,
wiring and looming, electrical power/ avionic systems, sheet metal practices,
composite and non-metallic practices, wooden structure practices, Fabric
covering practices, other maintenance practices.
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
The formal document which details the way in which all maintenance tasks
carried out on an aircraft shall be accomplished. This includes items such as
lubrication system functional checks and servicing of the airplane but usually
excludes structural repairs and modifications.
The content of this manual depends on the regulations of the manufacturing
country of the aircraft. But in general, the AMM is divided into sections and
subsections covering all the maintenance work to be done on the aircraft
detailing the procedure, time, tools to be used…
Throughout the manual, small boxes are inserted reading Note, Caution, or
Warning. These are items which require particularly close attention for
special conditions or procedures.
A Typical AMM is organized in the following structure:
Section 1 – General information
This section contains general information regarding manual organization,
descriptive data, scope, definitions and abbreviations, drawings and
dimensions of the aircraft, referenced documents, master equipment list,
feed-back forms, and the warranty information.
Section 2 – Inspections
It contains information related to light maintenance, weight and balance
calculations, periodic inspection lists for the airplane, illustrated parts list,
detailed checklists.
Section 3 – Structures
It describes the structure of aircraft (Airframe, baggage compartment …), its
subsystems (flight controls …), the work necessary to remove and install
subsystems (towing, parking, jacking …), and the parts drawings specific to
the aircraft.
Section 4 – Engine
It covers all the aspects of engine maintenance. It starts with a general
description of the engine (type, configuration, cooling type, some specs,
controls, cowling, limitations, oil system, fuel to be used …). And then
describes the engine repairs and service life, tests (throttle and choke
control, compressor and turbine blades, cabin heating control, exhaust
system, air filters …)
Section 5 – Fuel system
It lists all the components of the fuel system and specifies some
specifications of the fuel used to run the engine and the interaction between
the tanks, fuel pumps, valves, fuel pipes, and gauges. Plus the checks,
repairs, safety procedures related to each component (fuel sender or drain
valve removal, fuel pump check …)
Section 6 – Propeller
It starts by describing the aircraft’s propeller: number of blades, fixed or
variable pitch, ground adjustable or not, wooden or composite propeller…
Then it goes to its limitations set by the manufacturer (lowest pitch angle,
best climb angle, max cruise angle…).
After that, the propeller maintenance procedures are given: adjustment of
propeller pitch, propeller removal, propeller installation and tracking …
Section 7 – Systems
This section contains descriptions of various aircraft parts and sub-systems
plus some details on the repair and maintenance procedures.
Some of the main topics this section discusses are: cabin heating and
ventilation (venting system, removal and installation of the canopy air vents,
heating system, removal and installation of the cabin heat control knob,
adjusting the cabin heat…), interior care (dust removal, seats removal,
cleaning, and upholstery…), special tools needed for some specific tasks (ex:
barrel spanner), assembly and disassembly of the airplane, landing gear
maintenance, repairing the tires, fuel filter cleaning, connection screws and
rivet joints repairs, airframe repairs, electronic repairs, brake system,
carburetor balancing, safety wiring, cable system inspection and repairs…
Section 8 – Instruments and Avionics
It includes descriptions, limits, engine information system (EIS) settings, and
test procedures. It covers all the instruments and avionics of the aircraft
such as: instrument panel, Airspeed indicator markings, engine instruments,
pitot-static system and instruments, altimeter, vertical speed indicator,
magnetic compass compensation, transponder, global positioning system
receiver …
Section 9 – Electrical system
Includes descriptions and wiring diagrams for the aircraft electrical supply
and switch layout for the cockpit lighting panel and the main center switch
panel. It also covers exterior lighting, generator, circuit breakers and fuses,
battery, inspection and operation checks…
Section 10 – Painting and Coating
Contains information on cleaning, interior / exterior signage locations,
painting, laminate repairs and the finish paint / material specification,
propeller care, placards, markings, sanding, finishing, dust removing, putting
layers, heavy damage, paint repairs, washing and degreasing, application of
primer…
Airworthiness directives
Definition and Purpose
Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are legally enforceable regulations issued by
authorities to correct an unsafe condition in a product as an aircraft, engine,
propeller, or appliance.
If a certified aircraft has outstanding airworthiness directives that have not
been complied with, the aircraft is not considered airworthy. Thus, it is
mandatory for an aircraft operator to comply with an AD.
Once issued, an aircraft maintenance engineer should be capable of
understanding the instructions from an AD and complying with them within
the specified time frame and following the required procedures.
ADs usually result from service difficulty reporting by operators or from the
results of aircraft accident investigations. They are issued either by the
national civil aviation authority of the country of aircraft manufacture or of
aircraft registration. When ADs are issued by the country of registration they
are almost always coordinated with the civil aviation authority of the country
of manufacture to ensure that conflicting ADs are not issued.
Types of ADs
There are three types of ADs:
1- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), followed by a Final Rule
2- Final Rule; Request for Comments
3- Emergency Ads
The standard AD process is to issue an NPRM followed by a Final Rule. After
an unsafe condition is discovered, a proposed solution is published as an
NPRM, which solicits public comment on the proposed action. After the
comment period closes, the final rule is prepared, taking into account all
substantive comments received, with the rule perhaps being changed as
warranted by the comments. The preamble to the final rule AD will provide
response to the substantive comments or state there were no comments
received.
An Emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires
immediate action by an owner/operator. The intent of an Emergency AD is to
rapidly correct an urgent safety of flight situation.
Minimum Equipment ListA minimum equipment list (MEL) is a list which provides for the operation of
aircraft, subject to specified conditions, with particular equipment
inoperative (which is) prepared by an operator in conformity with, or more
restrictive than, the master minimum equipment list MMEL established for
the aircraft type. (ICAO Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft)
The master minimum equipment list (MMEL) is a list established for a
particular aircraft type by the organization responsible for the type design
with the approval of the State of Design which identifies items which
individually may be unserviceable at the commencement of a flight. The
MMEL may be associated with special operating conditions, limitations or
procedures.
The operator is responsible for including in the operations manual a
minimum equipment list (MEL), approved by the State of the Operator which
will enable the pilot-in-command to determine whether a flight may be
commenced or continued from any intermediate stop should any instrument,
equipment or systems become inoperative. Where the State of the Operator
is not the State of Registry, the State of the Operator shall ensure that the
MEL does not affect the airplane’s compliance with the airworthiness
requirements applicable in the State of Registry.
An operator may not operate an aircraft which does not comply with the
approved MEL, except with the explicit permission of the Appropriate
Regulatory Authority, usually the NAA. Such permission will not be granted to
allow the aircraft to operate outside conditions set by the corresponding
MMEL.
The MEL should is entirely separate from the Configuration Deviation List
(CDL), which is a list of secondary airframe and engine components which
may be recorded as missing for without prejudicing the acceptance of an
aircraft for flight.
Aircraft Maintenance Records
Whenever any maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or
alteration is performed, the maintenance engineer should make an entry of
the task he did in the aircraft maintenance record. The aircraft cannot be
returned back to service after airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or
appliance, has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding,
or alteration unless the maintenance record entry required has been made.
Maintenance records are a shared responsibility between the owner/operator
and maintenance personnel, with the ultimate responsibility resting with the
owner/operator.
Maintenance Records (except for inspections) shall contain the following
information:
• A description (or reference to data) of work performed.
• The date of completion of the work.
• The name of the person performing the work if other than specified
below.
• The signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the
person approving the work.
Most certification authorities require that the Owner or Operator shall retain
all maintenance records for 1 year after the work is performed or until the
work is repeated or superseded by other work.
Aircraft Maintenance: What Causes Aircraft Accidents?
Largest contributor to aircraft accidents are the Human factors. In addition, accidents caused by
the aircraft maintenance errors impose a significant financial burden on airlines, like example:
flight delays and cancellations. Commonly found to be one of the top three causes of aviation
accidents are poor aircraft maintenance, maintenance errors or maintenance negligence:
Almost 12% of all aircraft accident reports cite a maintenance factor.
One-third of these malfunctions relate to a maintenance error when failure or malfunction of
aircraft equipment is part of an accident or incident. Maintenance error accounts for nearly 50% of the causes, whenever engine delays are
encountered.
From 1994 to 2014, maintenance problems have contributed to 42% of fatal airline accidents in
the United States (excluding the 9-11 terrorist attacks). Maintenance related accidents and
incidents are caused by a breakdown of the organization processes, decisions and culture.
Maintenance operations are also affected by human input that shows up as weaknesses in
organizational processes leading to
Lack of motivation Fatigue and stress Time pressures Misperception of hazards Inadequate skills
FAMOUS AIRCRAFaT MAINTENANCE FAILURES:
CRASH 1: JAPAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 123 – ON AUGUST 12, 1985,
The aircraft suffered mechanical failures 12 minutes into the flight and 32 minutes later crashed
into two ridges of Mount Takamagahara, Japan. A photograph taken from the ground some time
later confirmed that the vertical stabilizer was missing. The aircraft was involved in a tail strike
incident at Osaka International Airport on 2 June 1978, which damaged the aircraft’s rear
pressure bulkhead. The subsequent repair of the bulkhead did not conform to Boeing’s approved
repair methods. Their procedure calls for one continuous double plate with three rows of rivets to
reinforce the damaged bulkhead, but the Boeing technicians fixing the aircraft used two separate
double plates, one with two rows of rivets and one with only one row. This reduced the part’s
resistance to metal fatigue by 70%. When the bulkhead gave way, the resulting explosive
decompression ruptured the lines of all four hydraulic systems. With the aircraft’s control
surfaces disabled, the aircraft became uncontrollable. The root cause of the accident again was a
maintenance related failure.
MAIN PROBLEMS FOR THE CRASH:
Tail fin of the airplane explode and missing in the flight.
Hydraulic failure.
Unpressurized.
Pilot got hypoxia by giving wrong command.
Bulkhead of the aircraft not properly maintained.
Maintained 30 mins flight before crashing.
15 crew members and 505 out of 509 died with 4 survivors = 520 deaths in total.
CRASH 2: AEROPERÚ FLIGHT 603:
Shortly after takeoff from Jorge Chavez international airport in Peru, Aeroperú Flight 603, the
airliner crew realized that their basic flight instruments were giving erratic and contradicting
readings. With the lack of reliable basic flight instruments, constant contradictory warnings from
the aircraft’s flight computer (some of which were valid and some of which were not), and
believing that they were at a safe altitude, the pilots declared an emergency and turned to head
back to the airport. However, the pilots lost track of their location and altitude and crashed into
the ocean, killing all on board. The cause of the instrument failure was a maintenance worker’s
failure to remove duct tape covering the static ports installed during a routine wash necessary to
provide correct instrument data to the cockpit. The static ports are critical to the operation of
virtually all of those flight instruments that provide basic aerodynamic data such as airspeed,
altitude and vertical speed, not only to the pilots but also to the aircraft’s computers, which
provide additional functions such as warnings when flight characteristics approach dangerous
levels.
CRASH 3: CHALK’S FLIGHT 101:
On Dec. 19 2005, Chalk’s Flight 101 lost its right wing shortly after takeoff and plunged into a
shipping channel off Miami Beach, Florida. The plane, which burst into flames, was captured on
video during its final moments. Everyone on board was killed, including three infants. The cause
of the accident was a metal fatigue failure in the right wing initiated by a crack. The crack had
been detected and seemingly repaired earlier by the maintenance team, but the repair was
eventually to prove ineffective. The safety board, in its final report on the probable cause of the
crash, noted numerous maintenance-related problems on the plane and another company aircraft,
raising questions about Chalk Ocean’s maintenance practices. The NTSB also found evidence of
improper repairs and undocumented maintenance. After the accident, the remaining fleet were
found to be suffering from severe corrosion with many showing signs of sub-standard repair
during maintenance.
CRASH 4: ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT 261
Alaska Airlines Flight 261 plunged into the Pacific Ocean during a routine flight from Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico to Seattle-Tacoma airport. The cause of the accident was the loss of the
airplane pitch control caused by thread failure on the jackscrew assembly controlling the
horizontal stabilizer trim. The failure of these acme nut threads was the result of insufficient
lubrication of the jackscrew assembly by Alaska Airlines during preventive maintenance
schedules, despite airline paperwork indicating it had been. This was the result of Alaska’s
extended lubrication and maintenance inspection intervals.
CRASH 4: AMERICAN AIRLINNES FLIGHT 191
American Airlines flight 191, a DC-10, crashed moments after takeoff from O’Hare Int Airport
in Chicago. Moments earlier, while speeding down the runway, engine number 1 and pylon
structure separated from the wing, flipped over the top and fell to the runway. The airplane took
off but shortly after takeoff, the aircraft rolled left and the nose pitched down before crashing in a
nearby field. The root cause of the accident was maintenance-induced damage leading to the
separation of the no.1 engine and pylon assembly procedures which led to failure of the pylon
structure. The mounting for the pylon had been damaged during routine maintenance performed
8 week previous. American Airlines, without the approval of the aircraft manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas remove the engine-pylon as one unit during an engine change using a
forklift. The airline maintenance team modified the recommended engine and pylon replacement
procedure to save man hours and get the job done quicker. The pylon, the rigging holding the
engine onto the wing, had been damaged during the makeshift maintenance procedure.
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS BY YEAR:
HOW CAN FUTURE ACCIDENTS BE AVOIDED?
As airline operators move towards second and even third tier outsourcing for their maintenance
activities, the complexity of the maintenance-related aspects of accident and incident
investigations continue to increase. Airlines are spending less to maintain their planes, mechanics
are checking them less often and the safety of one of the world’s most reliable transport systems
is at stake. 2012 was a good year, with a significant drop in the number of fatal accidents,
however, emergency landings caused by engine or landing gear maintenance failures are still
rampant. The airline industry needs to focus on improving maintenance or expect more
disasters.
We recommend:
1. Continuous maintenance re-training for aircraft technicians
2. Create better mechanisms for reporting, investigating reports, and provide legal
protections to the people who informed them
3. Human factors training for airline management and aircraft engineers
CONCLUSION
This report covered all the areas related to the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with reference to Transport Canada. The process of obtaining an AME license, the training involved in it, responsibilities of AME, Education and Certificates associated with AME, documents and reports and standards were also covered in detail. Further to show the importance of an AME, few case studies have been discussed. The case study included few aircraft accidents and/or incidents which happened as a result of maintenance error.
Aviation industry is continuously identifying key areas of development to reduce the accidents caused by the maintenance error. As the number of aircrafts flying around the world keeps on increasing, the complexity of the maintenance related aspects of accident and incident investigations are continuing to increase. Statistics shows that 2012 was a good year with a significant drop in fatal accidents. However emergency landings caused by engine or landing gear maintenance failures are still prevalent. Hence there is always a need to focus and improve aircraft maintenance.
REFERENCES
1. ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Aviation_Regulations
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_Canada
3. https://www.maintenanceassistant.com/blog/poor-maintenance-cost-lives/
4. https://www.maintenanceassistant.com/blog/poor-maintenance-cost-lives/
http://www.sting.aero/owners/downloads/AMMs/TL2000%20AMM%2031%20DEC
%2005%20FINAL%20Ver6.pdf
1- https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/
2- https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/continued_operation/ad/type_pub/
Ref:
1- http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Minimum_Equipment_List_(MEL)
2-http://www.mnps.eu/Downloads/Part%20I%20-%20International%20Commercial%20Air
%20Transport%20-%20Aeroplanes,%208th%20ed.pdf
Ref: www.flyafac.com/documents/AC-MaintRec.ppt
Reference
< http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/aboutus-menu.htm >
Transport Canada, 2004 ,
<https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/commerce-manuals-multicrewsop-chapter1-section9-1814.htm >
"Transport Canada gander crash review focuses on safety issue", 1989, Aviation Week & Space Technology, vol. 130, no. 11, pp. 66.
Rimmer, D 2001, 'Transport Canada has awarded.’, Business & Commercial Aviation, 88, 2, p. 19, Computers & Applied Sciences Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 20 November 2015.
Fiorino, F. 2007, "CRJ Safety Concern : CRJ Flap Malfunctions Raise Safety Concerns", Aviation Week & Space Technology, vol. 166, no. 20, pp. 56.
Transport Canada, 2004, “Critical Maintenance Tasks Requiring an Independent Check”, issue 3
https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/maintenance-aarpb-ame-erating-2553.htm
http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/1010dipts
http://explorecuriocity.org/Explore/ArticleId/2156/aircraft-maintenance-engineer-ame-2156.aspx#sthash.UFZXtH5h.dpuf