What is the primary purpose of the Reliability Program ?
What are the functions of the Reliability Department ?
The requirement for ongoing reliability originates from the implementation of the Maintenance Steering Group logic process ( MSG 2 & MSG 3) of managing maintenance programs.
The data which is gathered through the reliability program is a measure of the effectiveness of the maintenance which is applied to an aircraft. A low incidence of technical findings is one way by which determination can be made that the maintenance is effective.
The Reliability function entails the collation and analysis of technical data derived from the in service activities of the aircraft and its systems and associated components, with the primary purpose being to monitor the failure level and to identify poor performance typically as a result of breaching alert levels.
The information processed is used to to identify failure trends on fleets, and in so doing to develop corrective actions to ensure they can continue to operate in a safe, punctual, reliable and efficient manner.
This is typically achieved through the continued airworthiness management processes in place within the Reliability and Engineering departments, and observing compliance with the company Continued Airworthiness Management Exposition and applicable regulations.
Functions within the Reliability Department include :-
Analyzing all technical data which is gathered to support the airline’s reliability process.
Collate the information and present in the form of reports to the Reliability meetings.
Analyze specific issues where the performance falls short or Alert levels are breached.
Interface with other engineering departments for example Maintenance Control for Day to day operations and Technical Records for information concerning PIREPS. In the case that specific support is required then it may be necessary to involve Technical Engineering.
Part 145 Organisations in respect of Base Maintenance Work Packages and the associated review of the findings.
Desired competencies of an Aircraft Reliability engineer.
Should have an extensive knowledge of aircraft maintenance processes, procedures policies and best practices, including knowledge of failure modes, condition monitoring, repair schemes, scrap, preventative/schedule maintenance and inspections.
A through understanding of Reliability Centered Maintenance RCM as well as Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), In addition should understand the workings of the and Maintenance Review Board (MRB) process and how the subsequent analysis enables the development of the associated maintenance programs including an understanding of failure modes.
It is also important for the reliability engineer to have a detailed understanding of the EASA regulatory requirements as well as all Aircraft and component technical documentation.
It is usual to find that the Reliability Engineer is either also a licensed engineer or holds a degree or both.
Sofema Aviation Services offer EASA compliant trainings for the implementation of an effective Reliability Program , if you would like to find out more information please visit www.sassofia.com or email office@sassofia.com
Tags:
EASA, EASA regulatory requirements, Reliability Department, Reliability Program
