September 26, 2016

sasadmin

It may be considered that one of the most important tasks the maintenance engineer performs is that of performing an Aircraft Maintenance Inspection. The inspector is there to physically assess the wellbeing of the aircraft, engine, zone or component as required by the maintenance instructions. It is on the “say so” of the Inspector whether the aircraft continues to fly.

The responsibility is significant, consider how many times Japan Airlines Flight 123 was inspected over a 7 year period before the catastrophic failure of the rear pressure bulkhead.

BASIS FOR INSPECTION

The first step is to understand the reason for the Inspection, for example is it part of a zonal Inspection, or is it related to another document. If so are you familiar with this document?

What is the periodicity of the inspection, for example if you are looking at an item or area as part of a 6000 hour inspection, then you are basically saying that everything is good for another 6000 hours.

How long will 6000 hours take to accumulate? – It could be 18 months on a low cost operation which is doing more than 4000 hours each year, conversely it could be 10 years or more on an aircraft which is only achieving 400 to 600 hours each year.

REVIEW IN DETAIL THE SOURCE DOCUMENTS

The task may have originated as part of the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) process undertaken using MSG 3 methodology. Or it may have originated as Part of the System Safety Assessment SSA which is driven by the Type Certificate Holders (TCH) Certification Process.

Relevant documents may include FAA Advisory Circulars, FAA or EASA Airworthiness Directives, Other Service Bulletin or Alert Service Bulletin issued by the TCH or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Inspection related information may also be found with the Standard Practices Manuals and Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Manuals.

FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTROLLING DATES FOR THE TASK

What is the effective date of the inspection (means the date before which the inspection should be accomplished)?

NOTE – That this may be referenced in a number of ways as calendar time, airframe hours, airframe cycles, engine hours, or number landings as applicable.

Have you reviewed the applicability related to the aircraft, engine, or part number.

COMPETENCE OF THE INSPECTOR

Who is going to perform the inspection?

Have they been assessed as competent to perform the inspection?

Please consider that a qualified licensed aircraft engineer does not automatically become a competent aircraft inspector. There is a learning path and as with most things practice makes perfect. The Role of Mentor is very much suited to the development of appropriate aircraft inspection skills.

PREPARATION

What preparation and or cleaning of the item being inspected is required? Is this sufficient for you to be able to perform the inspection (Never forget that you MUST satisfy yourself that the area is ready for you).

Are there any special requirements related to the inspection which need to be considered? Such as unusual surface preparation (etching, paint removal) or the temperature range over which the inspection is effective.

Do you have all the necessary equipment to facilitate access, to provide illumination (as required) or to provide magnification (as required)?

PERFORMING THE INSPECTION

Are you knowledgeable concerning the specific description of the area to be inspected?

What Inspection Instructions are available for carrying out the inspection?

What are you actually looking for during this inspection? Accept/reject criteria.

What would be the typical description of the defect to be detected, preferably with an illustration of a sample defect?

EVALUATION

Consider the applicable procedures for establishing inspection reliability. Reporting procedures and requirements.

RETURNING TO NORMAL CONFIGURATION

Are there any post inspection cleaning or restoration tasks applicable?

Sofema Aviation Services is pleased to offer Aircraft Inspection Training both as Theoretical and Practical Training for more information please see www.sasssofia.com or email office@sassofia.com