7.20 Maintenance Procedures Flashcards
What is meant by the Maintenance Programme?
A structured plan to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of aircraft.
What does a Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) provide?
A detailed framework for the operator’s maintenance plan.
Define Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR).
Required scheduled maintenance tasks established during the design certification of aircraft systems.
What are the different types of maintenance checks?
- Transit checks
- A-checks
- C-checks
- D-checks
How are maintenance programmes for aircraft devised and planned?
Based on the Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP) and customized by operators.
What is the function of the Maintenance Steering Group (MSG-3)?
To analyze maintenance information and generate proposed scheduled maintenance tasks.
How are Certification Maintenance Requirements identified?
By a hash sign (#) placed under the frequency of the specific task.
Distinguish between transit checks, A-checks, and C-checks.
- Transit checks: Pre-flight checks for visible damage
- A-checks: Thorough inspections every 500–800 flight hours
- C-checks: Extensive checks every 15–24 months
What is the role of the Industry Steering Committee (ISC)?
To review maintenance information and recommend changes to the manufacturer’s maintenance program.
What does the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) contain?
Recommendations for initial aircraft maintenance requirements.
What are the two types of Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR)?
- One star CMR (CMR*): Mandatory tasks
- Two star CMR (CMR**): Tasks that require approved procedures for changes
What are AirWorthiness Limitations (AWL)?
Items defined as critical from a fatigue or damage tolerance assessment.
What is the purpose of work cards in maintenance?
To outline steps for maintenance tasks to be followed by engineers.
Fill in the blank: A CMR results from a formal, numerical analysis conducted to show compliance with the requirements applicable to a _______.
[catastrophic or hazardous failure]
What does the MSG-3 process detail?
- Lubrication
- Visual inspections
- Operational checks
- Replacement of life-limited parts
True or False: The D-check is the least comprehensive maintenance check.
False
What is the typical duration for completing a D-check?
From three weeks up to two months.
How often are A-checks typically performed?
Approximately every 500–800 flight hours.
What must happen before any changes to the AMP are implemented?
They must be approved by the national authority.
What is a key characteristic of the MPD?
It is a live document that can be regularly updated.
What must be done with each step on the work card during maintenance?
It must be signed off by the engineer on completion of the work.
What is the purpose of the Maintenance Steering Groups (MSG)?
To ensure correct decisions are made regarding maintenance programmes.
What is meant by a modification procedure?
A modification procedure refers to the process of changing an aircraft from its original state or condition.
What are the two types of modification classification?
- Minor
- Major
What information is typically found in an Airworthiness Directive?
- A description of the dangerous condition
- A list of affected aircraft
- A required action to make the aircraft airworthy
Why would an Emergency Airworthiness Directive be issued?
It is issued when the requirement for the work is deemed to be urgent and a short timescale is essential.
Why would a Non-EU Member State Airworthiness Directive be issued?
It concerns aircraft or components which originate in their country.
Describe a typical example of a major modification.
Designing a new passenger entertainment system for an existing aircraft type.
How does the information found in an Airworthiness Directive originate?
The information typically originates from the aircraft manufacturer in the form of a Service Bulletin or Emergency Service Bulletin.
What defines a minor modification according to Part-21?
A minor modification has no appreciable effect on the mass, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, noise, fuel venting, exhaust emissions, or other characteristics affecting airworthiness.
What is required for a major modification approval process for EASA controlled aircraft?
The applicant must submit required substantiating data, proof of compliance with specifications, and a declaration of compliance.
Fill in the blank: A major modification requires a _______.
[detailed investigation]
What document must be completed for major changes in the UK?
CAA Form SRG 1726
What type of changes does the CAA classify modifications as?
- Major
- Minor
What is a Service Bulletin?
A document sent to operators informing them of concerns relating to a system or element affecting aircraft safety, requiring immediate modification.
What is the role of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in modification approval?
The CAA classifies modifications as major or minor and determines the approval route that must be followed.
True or False: All modifications must be approved through the procedures of an appropriately approved organization.
True
What must be updated to reflect the modification carried out?
The associated aircraft or equipment logbook.
What happens if the actions required by an Airworthiness Directive are not carried out in time?
The aircraft must be removed from service until the action is carried out.
What is the purpose of an Emergency Service Bulletin?
To inform operators of urgent safety concerns requiring immediate action.
Fill in the blank: The privilege to classify changes as major or minor will be granted to an organization when the CAA is satisfied that the organization has demonstrated _______.
[compliance with requirements]
What are Service Letters/Service Information Letters?
Documents issued by manufacturers to warn operators of possible problems and how to cure them.
Why must parts stores be approved by the NAA?
To ensure all materials, parts, components, etc. issued for use on aircraft or aircraft equipment are to the correct specification and certified.
What are the two main components of each stores system?
- Quarantine store
- Bonded store
What must an Incoming Certification satisfy?
- Items are of acceptable quality
- Items comply with appropriate requirements
What must an engineer record in the logbook once a part has been fitted?
Details including SRN number, component part number, serial numbers, nomenclature, and hours run or flown.
What is the purpose of a quarantine store?
To hold newly received parts/materials until it is proven they conform to specifications and have correct certification.
What is the function of a bonded store?
To hold items/materials until they are required for use after passing quarantine.
Describe the typical stores acceptance process steps.
- Items arrive at quarantine stores
- Documentation is verified
- Physical condition checked
- Entry made in stores register
- Stores Release Notes attached
- Numbers recorded against incoming certificates
- Items passed to bonded stores
- Stored under correct conditions until needed
- Items issued to maintenance upon request
What is included in the Stores Release Note (SRN)?
- Item part number and name
- Serial/batch number
- Stores release note number
- Previous hours run, flown, etc.
- Modification state
True or False: Certificates can be destroyed without the authority of the NAA.
False
What is EASA Form 1?
A standardized form used as the Certificate of Conformance by EASA approved organizations.
What must be done with unacceptable certificates?
They must be cancelled and retained by the consignor.
Fill in the blank: The quarantine and bonded areas must be ______ to prevent cross-contamination.
segregated
What is the responsibility of the maintenance engineer when selecting consumable items?
To check the IPC or job card, select correct items from the correct bins, and record the batch/part number.
What is the role of the chief inspector (Quality Assurance - QA) regarding stores procedures?
To ensure stores procedures are adequate to guarantee correct specifications and traceability of materials.
What documentation must be cross-referenced according to stores procedures?
All documents relating to an item.
What happens if a defective part is identified in a batch?
It must be assumed that the others can also be defective.
What information must be recorded when an item is fitted to an aircraft?
SRN number, component part number, serial numbers, nomenclature, and hours run or flown.
What items are typically classified as consumable items?
- Nuts
- Bolts
- Washers
What is required during the inspection of items in the quarantine store?
Verification of conformity to specifications and inspection for damage.
What is the consequence of not having proper documentation for an item?
Items do not have to be accepted without identification and certification.
What is the purpose of the Certificate to Release?
To release an aircraft back to service after maintenance has been performed
It is a signed declaration required for the aircraft’s return to service.
Who is authorized to sign the Certificate to Release?
Only certifying maintenance personnel
Usually designated as Licensed Aircraft Engineers (LAE) with appropriate certifying authorizations.
What is required before an aircraft can be released back to service?
A signed declaration known as the Certificate of Release to Service (CRS)
No aircraft can be released without this declaration.
What is the minimum age requirement for Licensed Aircraft Engineers (LAE) with CRS capabilities?
21 years
This is the minimum age to ensure adequate experience and responsibility.
What must LAE be able to produce within 24 hours of a request?
Their certificate of authorisation
This ensures that the LAE is properly certified to perform maintenance.
Where can regulations governing an aircraft’s release to service be found?
Implementing Rules (IR) of Regulation (EU No 1321/2014, Part-M and Part-145)
These regulations cover continuing airworthiness and approved maintenance organizations.
What categories of certifying maintenance personnel are mentioned?
Cat A, B1, B2, B2L, B3, L and/or C
These categories are defined by the maintenance organization approved under relevant annexes.
In unforeseen situations, who can perform maintenance on an aircraft?
Any person holding the proper qualifications with at least three years of appropriate maintenance experience
This is allowed when no approved Part-145 maintenance organization is available.
What must the aircraft owner do if maintenance is performed by an unapproved person?
Obtain and keep records of all work carried out and qualifications of the person
This ensures accountability and compliance with regulations.
What basic details must a Certificate of Release to Service (CRS) contain?
Details of maintenance carried out, completion date, identity of the issuing organization/person
It must also include the approval reference of the maintenance organization.
What statement must be included in a Certificate of Release to Service?
‘Certifies that the work specified…was carried out in accordance with Part-M or Part-145…’
This confirms that the aircraft/component is ready for release to service.
When extensive maintenance is performed, what is acceptable for the CRS?
To summarize the maintenance performed with a unique cross-reference to the work-pack
This allows for detailed documentation of the maintenance activities.
What must all parties ensure after maintenance is completed?
A clear, concise, legible record of the work performed
This is crucial for accountability and traceability.
If a CRS is issued with incomplete maintenance, what must be recorded?
Actions required by the engineer, supervisor, and certifying staff
This ensures that the issues are communicated to the relevant parties.
True or False: The pilot-owner cannot authorize maintenance work on their aircraft.
False
The pilot-owner can authorize maintenance under certain conditions.
What does Regulation EU 965/2012 describe?
Legal requirements for operator certification, crew licensing, mass and balance, instruments, data and equipment.
What is the purpose of the Operation Planning and Control department?
To develop and maintain an operating schedule showing the availability of flight crew, ground crew, airport infrastructure, and aircraft.
What is the Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP)?
A program ensuring continued airworthiness through scheduled maintenance checks.
What does the aircraft technical logbook provide?
A complete maintenance history of the aircraft, including routine checks, special checks, modifications, repairs, and servicing information.
Who approves the aircraft technical logbook?
The National Authority (EASA or FAA).
What is the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)?
An approved document listing equipment that can be temporarily inoperative while maintaining safety and airworthiness.
What distinguishes the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) from the MMEL?
The MEL is more restrictive and tailored to the operator’s specific operational and maintenance conditions.
Fill in the blank: The MMEL and MEL are not intended to encourage the operation of aircraft with _______.
inoperative equipment.
What are the rectification intervals for Category A items in the MEL?
No standard interval is specified; must be repaired according to conditions in the Remarks or Exceptions column.
What is the time frame for repairing Category B items in the MEL?
Within three consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.
What is the rectification interval for Category C items?
Within ten consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.
What is the rectification interval for Category D items?
Within one hundred and twenty consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.
What does the Dispatch Deviation Guide (DDG) contain?
The MEL and Configuration Deviation List (CDL).
What is the role of the Configuration Deviation List (CDL)?
To identify external components of an aircraft type which may be missing for dispatch or flight.
True or False: Dispatch with inoperative equipment is standard practice.
False.
What must be considered when dispatching an aircraft with inoperative equipment?
Careful analysis of each item to ensure acceptable safety and airworthiness.
What information does the Remarks or Exceptions column in the MEL provide?
Conditions and limitations for operation with specific items inoperative.
What happens if a missing wing-to-body fairing is noted?
It can increase drag and cause additional fuel burn.
What is the purpose of a quality control system in aviation maintenance?
To ensure all processes and procedures are adhered to by all personnel and the aircraft is maintained to the highest standard.
Define Quality Control (QC).
A process that aims for and ensures a consistently high standard of product or service.
What is the main focus of Quality Management (QM) in aviation?
To oversee activities and tasks needed to maintain a high level of excellence, particularly safety and airworthiness.
What does EASA Part-145 mandate regarding quality departments?
All maintenance organisations must have a dedicated quality department overseen by the local NAA.
What is the role of the quality assurance department?
To ensure compliance with airworthiness regulatory requirements and to manage quality across the organisation.
List the three areas of quality management responsibilities.
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Quality Control (QC)
- Quality Improvement (QI)
What are independent audits in the context of a quality system?
Required to monitor compliance with aircraft/component standards and ensure good maintenance practices.
What is the objective of an inspection in aviation maintenance?
To detect conditions affecting airworthiness that need correction before the next inspection interval.
Differentiate between ‘Check’ and ‘Inspect’.
‘Check’ ensures a condition conforms to limits; ‘Inspect’ requires a degree of judgement.
What is a Scheduled Inspection?
An inspection specified in the Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP) for an aircraft.
What is a Non-Scheduled Inspection?
Special checks or additional work requirements not normally repeated to ensure airworthiness.
What is a Routine Inspection/Check?
An inspection specified in the AMP as part of a maintenance check.
What is a Transit or Ramp Check?
A routine inspection carried out during turn-around or overnight stops at the airport terminal.
Define Zonal Inspection.
A routine inspection of a specified aircraft zone to detect damage and assess general condition.
What are Mandatory Inspections?
Inspections classified by the NAA as essential to airworthiness, including ADs and mandatory modifications.
What is a Supplemental Structural Inspection (SSI)?
A mandatory sampling inspection to determine structural fatigue introduced at a certain lifecycle threshold.
What does a Corrosion Prevention & Control Programme (CPCP) Inspection detect?
Structural corrosion and determines requirements for the mandatory corrosion control programme.
Fill in the blank: All records associated with aircraft maintenance/inspection must be kept for a period of ______.
three years
What is additional maintenance?
Maintenance carried out in addition to normal scheduled maintenance due to failures or findings during inspections
Additional maintenance is often necessary to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What are typical unscheduled maintenance inspections and checks?
- Corrosion treatment
- Adjustment or replacement of components
- Repair of structural cracks and skin deformations
These checks are critical to maintaining aircraft integrity and safety.
What must be recorded in the aircraft technical logbook?
Any maintenance performed on the aircraft
This includes details about defects, rectification work, and the certification of maintenance staff.
Who can perform pre-flight and transit checks?
The flight crew
These checks do not always require certifying maintenance staff, except in ETOPS operations.
What is the role of ETOPS approved certifying staff?
To perform pre-flight and transit checks before departure to an ETOPS sector
This ensures compliance with Extended Range Twin-Engine Operational Performance Standards.
What information is required in the technical logbook after rectification work?
- Type of work and P/N and S/N of replacement components
- Documentation references
- Date and place of work
- Name of responsible staff
This documentation is critical for accountability and tracking maintenance history.
Who usually carries out maintenance on defects reported in the technical logbook?
Line maintenance personnel
They are responsible for addressing defects in a timely manner.
What is the purpose of the deferred maintenance items list?
To track maintenance items that need to be addressed and ensure they are completed within specified timeframes
This helps in managing aircraft safety and operational readiness.
How long must deferred maintenance actions be corrected after entry into the technical logbook?
Within two weeks
This timeframe is crucial for maintaining aircraft safety standards.
What are some examples of additional maintenance procedures?
- Manual fuelling
- Manual fuel quantity calculations
- De-icing servicing
- Installation of stretchers
- Oxygen system servicing
- Fluid servicing
- Cabin reconfiguration
These procedures may be necessary for specific operational needs.
What are abnormal inspections required from time to time?
- Heavy or overweight landings
- Flight into severe turbulence
- Lightning strike
- Bird strike
These inspections are critical for assessing potential damage and ensuring safety.
What is meant by the term ‘life limited components’?
Parts that are not damage tolerant and have a fatigue life less than others on the aircraft.
What document is maintained to track life limited components?
Life limited parts document.
What is the consequence of failing to comply with life limited parts requirements?
Suspension of the validity of the certificate of airworthiness.
What must be recorded for all life limited parts?
Installation and service history, including item serial number and aircraft identification.
What are the three types of primary maintenance processes?
- Hard Time
- On-Condition
- Condition Monitoring
What is the purpose of Hard Time maintenance?
Limit known deterioration of an item to an acceptable level through regular maintenance actions.
When is Hard Time maintenance applied?
- When failure adversely affects airworthiness
- When there is a hidden function that cannot be checked in-situ
- When wear or deterioration is significant enough to warrant time limits
- When prescribed limitations exist in a manufacturer’s warranty
What is the philosophy behind On-Condition maintenance?
To remove an item before it fails.
What is Condition Monitoring in aircraft maintenance?
Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting operational experience information on items to implement corrective procedures.
True or False: Condition Monitoring is applied to items whose failure has a direct adverse effect on operating safety.
False
What must maintenance personnel do with life limited units?
Replace them by the latest specified time-in-service hours.
What is the significance of the ‘Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items’ list?
It lists items and the time before which they need to be replaced, approved by EASA.
What is required for the certification of an aircraft?
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.
Fill in the blank: The traditional method of maintaining safety margins in aircraft maintenance is through the introduction of _______.
[life limited components]
What factors have necessitated a change in the basic philosophy of aircraft maintenance?
- Economic state of the industry
- Changes in aircraft design philosophy
- Progress in engineering technology
