March 24, 2021

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Introduction Concerning the Importance of Aviation Tooling Control & Management – Review by Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com

The best case for lost tooling within the aircraft maintenance environment is an expensive waste of time and resources and the worst case is a catastrophic failure, not just expensive but even life-threatening.

Effective Tool control provides us with the dual benefit tool management as well as the potential for an increase in workplace efficiency.

Consider Tooling Quality Control Issues

  • The cost of lost tools
  • Tool Shortages from incorrect availability
  • Lost or Misplaced Tools
  • Broken Tools – which are not replaced in a timely manner
  • Incorrect Tooling being used

Lack of Tooling Control Can Lead to:

  • Lost or Wasted Time
  • Mistakes
  • Possible Need for rework
  • Increased costs
  • Health and Safety in the Workplace
  • Reputational issues leading to loss of business

Tools Left in the Workplace / Left on the Aircraft  

A rig pin was left in an Aileron Programmer (Spoiler / Aileron Mixer) which was then returned to service.

With aircraft hydraulic pressure applied to the system the rig pin Sheared inside the programmer and required the component to be replaced when the error was discovered!

Why did the stores tooling control procedures not identify the missing “rig pin”? Essentially it because it was “box out” – “box in” control process without reference to the contents – on inspection of the “box” 4 rig pins were missing from a set of 16!

The potential for tools being left on the aircraft is currently an area where improvements can be made with additional focus on the tooling control procedures.

Tool Tracking

With effective tool control, it becomes possible to ensure that all tools are issued against an aircraft check & /or task to ensure all tooling is returned at the end of the check.

Calibration Considerations

An Effective Calibration Process will ensure

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Documentation control
  • Record keeping
  • Minimisation of Risk related to failures within the calibration system

Ensuring the integrity of tooling & equipment used for measuring is of critical importance particularly within the aviation industry.

We should all understand that the cost of failure is high within our Industry and take all measures to ensure effective oversight and control.

Maintaining an effective calibration program is not only a mandatory requirement it should be embedded in the organisations’ procedures.

Appropriate awareness of the calibration program should be fully documented and understood throughout the organization’s technical personnel.

Next Steps

Please see Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com, and SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com or email team@sassofia.com

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Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Industry, SAS blogs, Aviation Tooling, Tooling Quality, Tool Tracking, Calibration, Tooling Control