Error reduction in a maintenance operation demands optimal performance from technicians. But in this era of downsized workforces, aggressive cost-cutting and constant time pressures, it's tougher than ever to extract peak performance from mechanics every day.
Software upgrades, for the most part, are now an on-wing proposition. But, as Mitch Klink of the Avionics Maintenance Conference explains, all software modifications—and the media/hardware to transfer them—should conform to the baseline version of the Arinc 615 protocol to allow the use of portable data-loaders for on-wing applications. He cautions that, often when these upgrades are performed on-wing, the LRUs containing the new software versions become non-interchangeable with the LRUs containing the previous software versions.
1. New Stability Manufacturer: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Applications: Trelleborg's new material, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer E8T89, is designed to be used for the aerospace range of O-rings in civilian aircraft hydraulic systems. It remains stable in Type IV and V phosphate ester fluids even at elevated temperatures. Specifications: The material is compliant with NAS 1613 Rev 5. The LRCCP in France accredited it to NFL17-241B8, and Boeing has approved it for use.
Washington FAA will not change the cargo flight deck security requirements that give operators a choice between a reinforced barrier or a clearly defined security procedure to keep intruders and explosives off of their aircraft.
Tough economic times force innovation and make airline and aftermarket businesses evaluate what is core to their strategy. At the same time, next-gen aircraft and engine technology is forcing major industry changes. What do you want your business to be doing in five years and what are you doing now to ensure you will get to that point? Here are a few market dynamics to think about:
What links the following statements (besides all being subjects covered in this issue)? •British Airways plans to receive its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 in 2013 (page MRO18). •Air France KLM Engineering & Maintenance's new engine test cell at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport accommodates big engines such as the GE90 (page MRO32).
Lucerne, Switzerland EASA Compliance Too High? The European engineering and maintenance community seems to be particularly concerned about the increasing amount of regulatory requirements with which an organization has to comply regardless of its size. This is especially true for small MRO organizations; as evidence, some are closing because they are spending half of their time documenting compliance.
Excluding retrofits or airworthiness-directive compliance, the worldwide market for overhauling Rolls-Royce Trent 700-series turbofans is projected at about $2 billion for the next three years, with Asian carriers accounting for the largest share of the work.
1. Rapid Repair Manufacturer: Lufthansa Technik Applications: Lufthansa Technik's Rapid Repair process partially automates the repair of damaged carbon composite airframe components and speeds the repair process by up to 60% as compared with manual repairs.
When it comes to technical purchasing, airlines across the spectrum are increasingly insisting upon greater flexibility in the fine print of maintenance support contracts. “Today, the customer has gotten more sophisticated when negotiating maintenance contracts,” says Brian Ovington, principal marketing manager of aviation services for GE Aviation. “There is a lot more creativity in terms of the payment structures and the length of the agreements with respect to aircraft entry and exit of the program, and other terms.”
1. Ratchet Wrench Manufacturer: Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools Applications: The Flex Head Ratcheting Torque Wrench allows for a 10-deg. ratcheting angle, making it usable in more confined areas. Specifications: The ratcheting torque wrench is made of hardened steel with chrome plating. A locking collar prevents the scale settings from changing during work.
The Dutch defense ministry has been increasing its work with industry, as evinced by last year's public-private partnership agreement with DutchAero Services at Woensdrecht. It not only secured maintenance of the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16's Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, but it also aimed to attract third-party customers for F100 engine MRO work as well as future work on other engine types.
1. Spicing It Up Manufacturer: Airbus Applications: Airbus's Space Innovative Catering Equipment (Spice) should be available for aircraft deliveries in the early 2020s. Specifications: The system includes foldable service carts and has a weight savings of 400-600 kg (881-1,322 lb.). www.airbus.com/innovation/well-being/inside/spice/ Link 610
1. Greener Future Manufacturer: Crane Aerospace & L-3 Applications: The GreenTaxi uses its own auxiliary power unit to provide electric power without using the aircraft's engines, resulting in up to 4% fuel savings and as much as 80% fewer CO2 emissions.
Lack of effective communication, one of the Dirty Dozen root causes of human error in maintenance, is to blame for many of the problems that crop up in the hangar. When organizations address this topic, typically they zero in on handovers between shifts and clarity of written items in logbooks. Rarely do managers step back and consider how they are communicating through the signage posted around the workplace. It may seem a small thing, but the words on your walls matter.
