Aircraft maintenance technicians and mechanics ensure the safety of millions of flight passengers each year. Their work covers a range of components and systems such as airframes, engines, hydraulic/propeller systems, rigging and warning devices.
The FAA requires all aviation mechanics to earn a certification before working on aircraft. Once your certification has been obtained, there are various career opportunities available to you.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is an integral component of aircraft upkeep. It increases efficiency by limiting unplanned repairs and prolonging part lifespans. Furthermore, preventive maintenance saves money by reducing major repair expenses.
Preventive maintenance should be an ongoing process and conducted according to an established schedule. This may include tasks like inspection, servicing, oil replacement and lubrication.
The schedule should be recorded in a logbook and reviewed by both the aircraft owner and operator. This log must include an extensive description of all work completed, along with references to documents acceptable to the FAA. Furthermore, it should include signatures, certificate numbers, and types of certificates held by those responsible for approval.
In addition to maintaining a logbook, aircraft owners and operators must guarantee all employees are secure and well-trained. A recognized training program can keep maintenance personnel abreast of industry changes and evolving needs, enabling them to always follow best safety practices while upholding an uncompromising level of professionalism.
Aircraft maintenance is a complex job requiring specialized knowledge, high skill, and an intimate familiarity with the specific equipment and components being worked on. Since this field of work entails technical skill, having qualified individuals perform it safely is paramount. To guarantee everything runs smoothly during maintenance tasks, make sure you have the right people performing them.
Maintenance on machinery necessitates skilled mechanics and technicians with the necessary certifications. Furthermore, training and knowledge is needed to guarantee team members are familiar with proper procedures and understand all regulations involved.
Additionally, aircraft owners and operators should always hire the most qualified and certified personnel available. Doing this helps guarantee that only top-tier aircraft and their parts receive regular upkeep.
The FAA defines aircraft preventive maintenance as “the systematic inspection, servicing, and lubrication of an aircraft and its components to extend their lives.” This type of upkeep is an essential element in keeping your plane in top condition for both on-ground and air safety. Plus it’s cost-effective so that it meets manufacturer standards while remaining safe for flight.
Routine Inspections
No matter if you’re flying an aircraft for business, pleasure or just to get somewhere, routine inspections help guarantee the safety and dependability of your flight. These examinations cover various components and systems from the engine to the cockpit.
Aircraft maintenance is a comprehensive task requiring technical knowledge and expertise in both mechanics and policies. To keep track of all maintenance activities, owners and operators should keep an organized log book or record.
Cabin crews conduct pre-flight checks on airplane fuselages, avionics and flight controls for any defects that could affect performance or safety. These inspections take place prior to a scheduled flight and any issues are reported back to the technical team who can then make necessary repairs.
A 100-hour inspection is an extensive examination conducted by technical crews that involves taking all cargo and cabins off, as well as inspecting brakes, fabric of the fuselage, flight control surfaces, and struts for any cracks, corrosion or other issues that could compromise flight safety. These items are then inspected for damage or malfunction before flying again.
Progressive inspection programs are a common maintenance measure used by fixed-based operators or flight schools. These initiatives guarantee an aircraft is inspected regularly – usually every 25-50 hours – which helps minimize downtime for maintenance teams and is especially essential in high-usage fleets like these.
Continuous inspection programs are similar to progressive inspections, but they apply to larger or turbine-powered aircraft. These programs have been approved by the FAA and outlined in an operations specification (OpSpecs) provided by a commercial certificate holder.
These programs involve both routine and detailed inspections, with each cycle having to be completed within 12 months. Any necessary items need to be re-inspected prior to moving onto the next phase, and any parts found to be unsafe must be replaced or repaired immediately.
Depot maintenance is a specialized form of aircraft upkeep that involves sending an aircraft to a workshop for repairs and overhauls. This type of upkeep typically applies to engines, and can be performed onsite at an airport or at a specialized facility.
Repairs
Aircraft maintenance includes inspecting and servicing aircraft, repairing them when needed, and ensuring they are safe for flight. This work is usually carried out by mechanics or technicians qualified in specific aircraft systems and components. They usually use hand tools as well as power tools for this task.
Structural repairs are made to damaged aircraft structures, such as the skin, stringers, formers, bulkheads and other components. These main structural members provide stability to an airplane while it flies. Structural repairs are necessary in order to protect pilots, passengers and other people aboard during flight.
These repairs must meet stringent safety specifications and follow a specific set of guidelines. Failure to adhere to these standards could result in a major flight accident.
To guarantee safe repairs, it is essential to follow the correct procedures and use suitable materials. The most reliable way of doing so is by reading the manufacturer’s service reference manual (SRM) for the aircraft.
The SRM typically provides a standard repair for damaged parts or components that is illustrated and includes all materials needed, rivet sizes and spacing, plus any extra knowledge necessary. It also outlines the procedure to follow in making the repair.
Composite bonded repairs offer an alternative to traditional mechanically fastened riveted repairs. This technology can bridge cracks in metal structure, reduce strain levels and strengthen areas that have been thinned by corrosion or other damage.
Mechanics and other personnel involved in the repair process must abide by safety regulations set by the FAA. Furthermore, they must perform inspections and record all maintenance tasks on aircraft logs for inspectors to verify that all repairs or modifications adhere to safety standards.
Composite bonded repairs require patch materials that are strong and stiff enough to withstand the stresses and forces experienced during flight. Furthermore, these materials should be resistant to temperature changes with high thermal expansion coefficients, as well as having good bonding properties compatible with the structure being repaired.
Overhauls
Aircraft engine overhauls are a major maintenance procedure necessary to extend the usefulness of an aircraft engine. Much like getting your car tuned up for winter, an overhaul can significantly extend its lifespan and boost performance.
Overhauls are an integral part of many operators and airlines’ maintenance programs. Not only do they reduce fuel consumption and boost an aircraft’s efficiency, but they can also save money for the airline in the long run.
An overhaul is a vital element of an aircraft engine overhaul, involving the inspection and repair of worn or damaged parts. This ensures the safety of passengers on board as well as avoiding future repairs or replacements.
An overhaul of an aircraft engine involves taking the powerplant apart, transporting it to a repair facility, inspecting and testing it, then reinstalling on the aircraft. This complex and time-consuming procedure can be hazardous if done incorrectly.
Therefore, operators must be familiar with the requirements of their overhaul program. This may include setting minimum intervals between overhauls and making sure all paperwork required by the FAA is filled out, recorded, and filed before work commences.
The ideal overhaul facilities are highly-specialized, possessing the tools and know-how to do the job correctly and quickly. This is especially crucial for engines or propellers which may require disassembling and reinstalling on an aircraft.
Furthermore, specialized overhaul facilities often have the necessary equipment and tests to detect potential issues before they escalate into full-blown failures. Doing so can save you from having to invest in costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Overhauls can be an economical way for operators to extend the life of their aircraft’s powerplants and keep them operating at full capacity. For instance, overhauling a cylinder head on an aircraft allows it to run at its rated torque for extended periods, saving money through reduced fuel expenses and improved aircraft efficiency.