January 06, 2025

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key changes introduced with the release of MSG 3 VOL.1 2018.1 & 2022.1

Introduction

The ATA MSG-3 publication outlines a decision-logic process for determining initial scheduled maintenance requirements for new fixed-wing aircraft and power plants. The 2018.1 revision introduced several updates to enhance maintenance task development and align with regulatory standards.

Key Changes Introduced in 2018.1 & 2022.1

  1. Integration of Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM)
  • What Changed: New language and decision tree logic (Systems/Powerplant Analysis Level 3) were added to integrate AHM capabilities.
  • Purpose: To enhance MSG-3’s ability to incorporate modern health monitoring technologies.
  • Reference: Approved Issue Paper (IP) 180.
  1. Updated Definitions
  • Change: The term “Operating” now aligns with the ICAO definition of “Operation of an aircraft.”
  • Purpose: Ensures global consistency in maintenance documentation.
  • Reference: IP 186.
  1. Stakeholder Clarifications
  • Change: Replaced “Airlines” with “Operators” to reflect the broader range of entities involved in scheduled maintenance development.
  • Purpose: Acknowledges the participation of diverse stakeholders beyond airlines.
  • Reference: IP 188.
  1. Enhanced EWIS Zone Analysis Procedure (EZAP)
  • Change: Clarified that tasks selected via EZAP for reducing combustible material accumulation apply only to zones containing Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS).
  • Purpose: Refines maintenance task focus for safety-critical areas.
  • Reference: IP 189.
  1. Detailed Failure Cause Descriptions
  • Change: Guidance now requires failure causes to describe specifically why and how a function fails.
  • Purpose: Improves the accuracy and usefulness of failure analysis.
  • Reference: IP 190.
  1. Structural Significant Items (SSI) Selection
  • Change: Added guidance to consider structures that, if failed or detached in flight, could cause secondary damage affecting safe flight and landing.
  • Purpose: Enhances structural integrity evaluations.
  • Reference: IP 192.
  1. Lightning/High-Intensity Radiated Fields (L/HIRF) Protection
  • Change: Provided detailed guidance on acceptable deterioration levels of L/HIRF protection components and how deterioration can be detected.
  • Purpose: Strengthens measures for maintaining component integrity.
  • Reference: IP 193.
  1. Clarification on Sampling Applicability
  • Change: Stated that “Sampling” applies not only to “Systems/Powerplant” but more broadly.
  • Purpose: Expands the applicability of sampling methodologies.
  • Reference: IP 194.
  1. Removal of Duplicated Information
  • Change: Eliminated redundant information from paragraph [2-3-7].
  • Purpose: Streamlines the document for better clarity and usability.
  • Reference: IP 195.
  1. Zonal Procedure Scope Adjustment
  • Change: Adjusted the scope to adequately address “Other Structure.”
  • Purpose: Ensures comprehensive coverage of maintenance zones.
  • Reference: IP 196.
  1. Certification of Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM)
  • Change: Clarified that references to and use of AHM require certification of associated on-aircraft system features.
  • Purpose: Ensures regulatory compliance and system reliability.
  • Reference: IP 197.
  1. Maintenance Significant Item (MSI) Classic Task Intent
  • Change: Added a definition of the “Intent” of an MSI Classic Task.
  • Purpose: Provides clear guidance on task objectives.
  • Reference: IP 200.
  1. Management of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Assumptions
  • Change: Introduced guidance for managing AFM assumptions.
  • Purpose: Align maintenance practices with operational assumptions.
  • Reference: IP 201.
  1. Corrosion Prevention and Control Program (CPCP)
  • Change: Supplementary factors were added to define CPCP tasks.
  • Purpose: Enhances corrosion management strategies.
  • Reference: IP 202.
  1. Removal of CMCC References
  • Change: Removed references to the Certification Maintenance Coordination Committee (CMCC) process from paragraph [2-3-8].
  • Purpose: Reflects current practices by removing outdated references.
  • Reference: IP 204.

Summary

These changes reflect the evolution of ATA MSG-3 to address technological advancements, align with regulatory requirements, and improve the clarity and applicability of maintenance processes.

Next Steps

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changes, SAS blogs, Airlines, stakeholders, ATA MSG 3 VOL.1, 2018.1 & 2022.1, Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM), Approved Issue Paper, Operation of an aircraft, EWIS Zone Analysis Procedure (EZAP), MSI Classic Task, Coordination Committee (CMCC)