Aviation Maintenance Research Articles

Maintenance of Composite-Based Aircraft Components and Structures through the Perspective of Aviation Maintenance Technicians in the United States

For the last three decades, the field of aircraft construction and manufacturing has been experiencing a significant change as the material of choice for aircraft construction has been continuously transitioning from metal to composite materials. This underlying change to the way aircraft structures and components are manufactured is propelled by composite materials’ intrinsic design and operational advantages. Nevertheless, as new technologies are introduced into the aviation industry, it is crucial to consider how all aspects thereof are affected, most importantly to ensure that safety is not compromised. As a critical part of the aviation industry and a key factor influencing the safety thereof, maintenance activities and certified aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) need to be considered when evaluating the impact of the introduction of composite materials in the aeronautical field. Consequently, the conducted study specifically focuses on aircraft maintenance activities, especially as it pertains to the interaction of certified AMTs with composite materials. The goal of the study was to highlight and understand the opinions and perceptions of AMTs on composite materials and how, from a front-line perspective, aviation maintenance activities have changed with the introduction of novel materials. The input gathered from AMTs is a tool to understand potential pitfalls, deficiencies in training and resources, and safety threats from a maintenance perspective that may stem from the increased use of composite materials. With this purpose, certified maintenance technicians in the United States were surveyed and their responses were analyzed to identify recurring themes in the topics presented. Responses indicated issues related to formal composite-centered AMT training, knowledge, and resources available for composite maintenance.

Mapping the Needs of Design for Maintenance in Electric Aviation

Mapping the Needs of Design for Maintenance in Electric Aviation

Human factor in professional activity of aviation maintenance specialists as an element of flight security

Target of this article is to consider particularities of human factor influence in professional activity of aviation maintenance specialists. In consequence of theoretic analysis of studying of this problem were discovered preconditions and recent trends of development of human factor at specialists of this activity area as well as were identified structural components of mentioned phenomenon. According to that, the authors made a description of defining characteristics of manifestation of human factor in professional activity of aviation maintenance specialists: psychophysiological particularities of employees, professional requirements for carrying out of this activity and work conditions of those specialists. All this, at the opinion of authors, is one of determinants of human factor manifestation at aviation maintenance specialists. As to the improvement of professional activity level of specialists of this field, following levels of human factor manifestation at aviation maintenance specialists with precise hierarchic structure of its development were identified: sensory-perceptual level (work of human analyzer system), personal level (value-motivational aspect of carrying out of professional activity) and professional level (development of professional competence of personnel). At the basis thereof it was elaborated authors functional three-stage hierarchic model of human factor of aviation maintenance specialists. In order to decrease the risk of mistakes making by specialists during solving professional problems at any level of their committing, it was suggested a number of activities for improvement of human factor in professional activity of aviation maintenance specialists, which are directed to the development of sensory-perceptual, personal and professional levels.

Certificated AMTs: What Will Encourage More Women to Become Aviation Maintenance Technicians?

Certificated AMTs: What Will Encourage More Women to Become Aviation Maintenance Technicians?

THE FACTOR THAT INFLUENCE TURNOVER INTENTION AMONG AVIATION MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL IN KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SABAH

This study aims to identify the factor that influence turnover intention among aviation maintenance personnel in Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed and only a total of 104 questionnaire were analyzed for this research. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment (independent variable) influence on turnover intention (dependent variable) were tested using multiple regression. The research finding is that there is significant influence of job satisfaction and normative commitment (a component of organizational commitment) on turnover intention among aviation maintenance personnel in Kota Kinabalu International Airport. This study recommends increasing the quality of supervision and communication to increase job satisfaction. Also, to improve normative commitment this study suggests maintenance organization to recruit more local Sabahan for training to become licensed aircraft engineer and technician as this will automatically increase their commitment toward the organization as they have no thought of relocation once they start working.

Semantic voice search in IETP: filling the gap for maintenance 4.0

PurposeA framework is being developed to help Integrated Electronic Technical Publications (IETP) consultation inside and outside the aviation maintenance hangar. The expected results are the reduction in time to access the desired IETP and to assist mechanics while performing maintenance tasks using voice recognition.Design/methodology/approachThe work is being conducted based on literature review and consultation with mechanics from the aviation industry, through questionnaires. The development will be made through study cases by building a core search engine and mobile applications to support the mechanics during the maintenance activities.FindingsThe identified problem in small maintenance shops and defence organizations suggests that IETP are not entirely accessible before and during the maintenance activity. Such organizations suffer from information and communications technology (ICT) low infrastructure capability and demand access to multiple IETP databases as they usually support different aircraft. To have access to the IETP through voice assistant application will help mechanics to access the IETP, including when they would be with dirty hands and having difficulty in using mobile devices with touch displays.Originality/valueThe framework being developed will give mechanics the ability to quickly find any existing IETP to support its maintenance task at any time and in any place with low demanding for ICT infrastructure. The architecture will support different applications, and the identified priority is for IETP viewers to the most demanding functionality of specification ASD S1000D. This approach could also help in troubleshooting activities since COVID-19 brought new demands for the social distancing for mechanics.

Research on aircraft skin damage identification method based on image analysis

In the field of civil aviation maintenance, it is necessary to identify aircraft skin damage, and then formulate a maintenance plan. The traditional detection method process is more complicated. This paper proposes an image-based skin damage recognition method. After pre-processing the samples to form a unified sample library, the eigenvalues of the samples are obtained by wavelet packet decomposition and gray-level co-occurrence matrix, and finally the c and g values in the optimal RBF kernel function are selected to construct a support vector machine training model and the test results show that with a low sample size, the constructed model is more accurate in identifying normal skins and accidental impacts, and the overall system recognition rate is 81.5%.

A Study on the Safety and Management Plan of Aviation Maintenance due to Human Error

A Study on the Safety and Management Plan of Aviation Maintenance due to Human Error

Dynamic analysis of the composite laminated repaired perforated plates by using multi-patch IGA method

The bonded repair techniques seem to be the most frequent procedures in the aviation maintenance. The achieved composite repaired perforated thin-walled plate is a complex geometry with high numerical analysis cost. The NURBS-based Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) proposes a sensible and affordable tool to carry out such geometry analysis. In this context, a well-known technique is to divide the original geometry assembly into number of simple neighbors connected geometries. In the present study the free vibration analysis of the perforated plates repaired on one side with an external bonded composite laminated patch is investigated. A multi-patch geometry modeling approach is implemented in line with the first order shear deformation theory of plates. In order to hold the geometry integrity and uniformity, all the degrees of freedom between adjacent geometry patches are completely tied through implementing a Nitsche method. To show the effectiveness and accuracy of the developed formulation, some representative results are extracted and compared with those from literature. The effects of geometrical as well as material parameters including boundary condition, cutout shape, and repair layup on the dynamic response of the repaired perforated plates are then investigated.

Análisis del nivel de fatiga a Técnicos de mantenimiento en aviación militar

El propósito de este estudio a través de una investigación cuantitativa, transversal utilizando una prueba de Yoshitake, fue identificar los niveles de síntoma de fatiga y su respuestas de tipo emocional, cognitivo y conductual que puede tener y afectar al técnico de mantenimiento en militar aviación, profesional capaz de cumplir actividades de mantenimiento de aviones y régimen militar, los cuales de una población de estudio de 40 personas el 66% de las mismas presentan síntomas de fatiga entre moderada a excesiva, que tendría incidencia a los niveles de calidad óptimos en el cumplimiento de procesos de mantenimiento en aviación y a la seguridad operacional de aviación.

УПРОЩЕННЫЙ ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ АНГЛИЙСКИЙ КАК ИНСТРУМЕНТ СОКРАЩЕНИЯ КОЛИЧЕСТВА ОШИБОК ПРИ ОБСЛУЖИВАНИИ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ВОЗДУШНЫХ СУДОВ

Цель. В рамках работы ставилась задача проанализировать возникающие в ходе технического обслуживания ошибки, обусловленные лингвистическими факторами, а также рассмотреть возможность использования упрощенного технического английского языка как средства сведения числа таких ошибок к минимуму.Актуальность. Исследование проблем правильного составления предназначенных для широкого круга пользователей руководств на английском языке и их применения специалистами с ограниченным уровнем владения данным языком является особенно актуальной задачей по мере расширения парка иностранных воздушных судов на территории России, а также возможностей экспорта воздушных судов российского производства на мировой рынок.Метод или методология исследования. В основе работы лежит анализ и обобщение международных регулирующих документов и научной литературы.Результаты. Установлено значительное число ошибок, обусловленных недостаточным пониманием инструкций на английском языке, а также возможность их предотвращения путем упрощения грамматической структуры и лексического состава таких конструкций. Исследование истории данного вопроса показало наличие неоднократных попыток стандартизации текстов документов по техническому обслуживанию, наиболее успешной из которых стало создание спецификации на упрощенный технический английский язык (ASD-STE100).

Estimation of Health Indicators using Advanced Analytics for Prediction of Aircraft Systems Remaining Useful Lifetime

A valuable asset for the improvement of aviation maintenance is the correct assessment of the aircraft systems health condition, for a more accurate planning and execution of maintenance routines. As such, the creation of a Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) system, supported by Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) can bring important benefits to the aeronautical field. The ultimate goal of a PHM system is the correct prediction of the Remaining Useful Lifetime (RUL) of a certain aircraft system, using the sensors data extracted during flights. Nevertheless, a relevant stage in the PHM pipeline concerns the estimation of the system condition, expressed by the Health Indicator (HI). The HI value reflects the health condition of a specific aircraft system, which can possibly be affected by degradation, failures or external conditions occurred during flight time. Henceforth, due to the relevancy of the HI assessment for the accuracy of the PHM model, this paper aims to propose a new formulation for the HI computation, derived from raw anonymized data retrieved from different sensors within the aircraft system. The proposed formulation combines information from the different variables (like sensors) that have an impact on the overall system condition, by assigning a positive or negative weight to each variable depending on the influence on the system behaviour. The weights are determined based on the typical and standard data patterns. Thus, the estimated HI aims to reflect the number of hours of flight expected to be flown, based only on raw data extracted from the system. Furthermore, considering that the available sensors data is anonymized, a study of the relevancy of the different sensors features for the degradation assessment is performed, using specific metrics. Considering a scenario where the HI ground truth is unknown, the failure data of each aircraft system is used to evaluate and discuss the formulation suitability. The HI formulation is applied in real datasets, on the environmental systems of two wide body aircraft types.

Winging It: Key Issues and Perceptions around Regulation and Practice of Aircraft Maintenance in Australian General Aviation

The very diverse character of General Aviation (GA) within Australia poses challenges for its effective management of risk and safety in the sector. Improvements for human performance and perceptions of safety within the maintenance environment are among the areas which regulators have targeted for continuous improvement. This paper provides a timely empirical exploration of maintenance engineer perspectives around: (1) Changes in the role of the regulator/regulation that have impacted the sector and diminished safe operations; and (2) specific practical and operational challenges that the GA industry must deal with to sustain safe operations going forward. A thematic analysis of transcribed qualitative data revealed five key themes and identified a number of key issues from sector changes including a decline in training and education, drift in working practices, and wider power-distance gap. Issues with auditing and bureaucratization, negative safety climate, and underlying values and philosophies were also found. Practical and operational challenges going forward included an array of concerns associated with safety, the mismatch between GA and commercial aviation, workforce development and the financial burden in the sector. The results draw attention to the interconnectedness between various components of the GA system, and carry timely implications for regulation in the GA sector. Future research directions are discussed.

Research on the Specialty Construction for Aviation Maintenance Based on the Integration of Industry and Education

With the rapid development of China's aviation industry, the demand for aviation maintenance is increasing. Due to its importance in aviation transportation safety, the professional standards of aviation maintenance are higher than other industries and thus requires special training to foster expertise. Aiming at the supply and demand of professionals in the field of aviation maintenance in China, this paper analyzes the problems in personnel training of aviation maintenance specialty. It also puts forward a construction plan for aviation maintenance specialty under the structure of "Integration of Industry and Education," in order to guarantee highly-skilled professionals in aviation industry.

Analysis of error probability in aero ordnance maintenance

Aero ordnance maintenance is a very important part in aviation maintenance, which has such characteristics as elusive, inconvertibility and danger. The specificity of aero ordnance maintenance is analyzed, and the error model fitting well with the actual situation is built. The maintenance error probabilities are calculated by Bayesian network. Besides, the influences of organization management, professional skill and other typical factors are analyzed in this paper. The related results have some reference and guiding meaning to the aero maintenance work.

From Classroom to Industry: Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance Decision-Making

The presence of human factors in aviation remains a critical area of research given the safety implications of human error. Understanding what specific factors contribute to human error allows managers and operators to take steps to mitigate these hazards. Several methods have been tested in the cockpit and cabin crew environments, but less attention has been given to the aviation maintenance sector, despite the prevalence of accidents resulting from human error. With the introduction of AC-172A, the FAA validated the need for additional research and training on the role of human factors in aviation maintenance errors. However, a key component in this process is often overlooked--the role of decision-making. In aviation maintenance, the environment can change rapidly. Technicians must react and adjust their behavior, and their decision-making abilities, accordingly. Human factors such as fatigue, pressure, and distractions can interrupt cognitive processes and judgment, and in turn, decision-making. As technicians adapt to these environmental challenges, strategies must be in place to facilitate optimal decision-making. Recommendations for addressing the presence of human factors in aviation maintenance and the resulting impact on the decision-making process include taking both a proactive and reactive approach to human error identification. Proactively screening for individuals who are too risk-averse or too comfortable with taking risks can help hiring managers employ the right personnel equipped to make appropriate decisions in high consequence industries, such as aviation. Additionally, by encouraging and reviewing hazard reports, steps can be taken to mitigate human error factors in the future. Anonymous hazard reporting tools such as the REPAIRER allow maintenance managers to leverage existing (and FAA-required) safety management systems (SMS) by including a human factors analysis.

Deployment of Prognostics to Optimize Aircraft Maintenance – A Literature Review

Historic records show that the cost of operating and supporting an aircraft may exceed the initial purchase price as much as ten times. Maintenance, repair and overhaul activities rep- resent around 10-15% of an airlines annual operational costs. Therefore, optimization of maintenance operations to minimize cost is extremely important for airlines in order to stay competitive. Prognostics, a process to predict remaining useful life of systems and/ or components suffering from aging or degradation, has been recognized as one of the revolutionary disciplines that can improve efficiency of aircraft operations and optimize aircraft maintenance. This study focuses on literature that has used prognostics to optimize aircraft maintenance and identifies research gaps for further optimization of aircraft maintenance in commercial aviation. In this paper, the origin and development of prognostics is firstly introduced. Thereafter, the state of art of aircraft maintenance is reviewed. Next, the applicability of prognostics to optimize aircraft maintenance is explained, reviewed, and potential challenges and opportunities are explored. Finally, the state-of-the-art of prognostics in aircraft maintenance is dis- cussed and research gaps are identified in perspective of the deployment of prognostics to optimize aircraft maintenance.

基于React Native的航空机务维修智能终端开发与实现

基于React Native的航空机务维修智能终端开发与实现

Aviation Maintenance Instructional Design: How to Teach the Millennial and Gen-Z Cohorts

Aviation Maintenance Instructional Design: How to Teach the Millennial and Gen-Z Cohorts

Analyzing Human-caused Accidents in Aviation Maintenance - Focusing on SHELL Model -

Whether aircraft accidents are caused by mechanical defects or human factors, the consequences are fatal to human life and property, which makes it critical to eliminate the causes and develop preventive measures. The research on human factors in aviation accident has been mainly conducted in relation to flight crews and then expanded into the field of aviation maintenance since the early 1990s. The basic concept of aeronautical maintenance is to maintain airworthiness in order to ensure the safety of the aircraft by perfect operation and service of all aircraft systems. This research studies on the theoretical background of human factors in the aviation field and examines the analytic model for the cause of aircraft accidents. In addition, it analyzes some cases which called attention to human factors in aircraft maintenance based on the ‘SHELL Model’, which is recognized as the basic theory of human factors in the aviation field.