Abstract
A major expense of operating any aircraft is maintenance expense. In commercial and business aviation, the costs go far beyond the immediate costs of direct labor and materials. This paper examines how the critical nature of maintenance planning and advanced software technology potentials have combined to create many types of software options for automated maintenance scheduling. It looks at how maintenance planning software can reduce maintenance costs and prevent loss of revenue and how operators are forging "off the shelf" programs into individualized solutions.
Outline
Abstract
Direct Effects of Poor Maintenance Planning
Indirect Effects of Poor Maintenance Planning
Software Solutions
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The obvious consequences of poor maintenance planning are flight safety failures. One infamous incident involved the January 2000 crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 into the Pacific Ocean when a crucial flight control part failed. It was later determined by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that the part, a jackscrew controlling the horizontal stabilizer, failed due to lack of lubrication. The NTSB ruled not only that failure was due to poor maintenance practices of Alaska Airlines but also blamed the Federal Administration Agency (FAA) for lack of oversight. (Wallace, 2006) Alaska Airlines improved their maintenance procedures and the FAA issued additional requirements for the jackscrew inspection intervals."

Tags:airlines, alaska, aviation, boeing, faa, flight, operator, pilots, purchasing, quality, repair, safety

Abstract
This paper acknowledges that the mainstay of every establishment is communications and how it is same with the aviation organization. It examines how, in the absence of communication, the entire range of the organization's inherent functions, including the aircraft servicing program, maintaining flight schedules, and various other functions, comes to a standstill. It discusses how, despite this, proper attention is not paid to the planning and execution of the communications established within the flight department and how every employee should interact prior to, at the time of, and at the conclusion of every assignment.

From the Paper
"Presently, the most secured and fastest mode of journey is perceived through aeronautics. However, the occurrence of sporadic air disasters sometimes calls upon our confidence on the mode. However, probe into most of the disasters reveals them as consequence of maintenance flaws. The first ever disaster as a result of manufacturing and designing error was related to Icarus, whereas many attribute it to the mistakes committed by pilot. Presently however most of the air accidents occur due the faulty maintenance and irregular inspection to aircrafts. The accident of Aloha Airlines occurred in Hawaii in 1988 is considered as most stunning. The accident was due to separation of the upper fuselage of the plane at floor line while flying."

Tags:flight, schedules, aeronautics, technology

Abstract
This paper discuss the risks involved with Human errors and Human Factors when covering the maintenance of aircraft, also discussed within are the Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals, their uses and how they effect Human factor issues.

Tags:aircraft, maintenance, technicians

Abstract
This paper explains that, if the corrosion on aircraft is undetected or untreated, corrosion problems can lead to structural failures and, hence, pose a great safety risk. The author points out that the most popular method of corrosion prevention is the use of chromate surface treatments of the aluminum structures; however, using hexavalent-chromium compounds for surface coating is an environmentally unsound practice because chromium is well-known as a highly toxic and carcinogenic agent. The paper relates that tackling corrosion at the designing and manufacturing phase is key to successful control of the corrosion menace; proper maintenance also occupies a significant role in remedying the damage and in prolonging the life of the aircraft.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Corrosion Problem
Corrosion Control (A Design and Manufacturing Issue)
Corrosion Control by Coating
Maintenance Programs
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Cervical corrosion occurs when a corrosive fluid gets inside the joints or penetrates the coated surface. Both the forms of corrosion are dangerous and can result in cracking of the metal surface. The problem is more pronounced in aging aircrafts which are exposed to corrosive materials over a long period of time. The 1988 Aloha Airline B-737-200 incident was an eye opener to the dangers of corrosion. Due to undetected corrosion the whole fuselage of the plane got separated in mid air. This incident led to the formation of the "Aging Aircraft Task Force Steering Committee" which is currently known as the "Airworthiness Assurance Working Group"."

Tags:designing, failure, safety, hexavalent-chromium, maintenance

Abstract
This paper contends that the demand for third party maintenance within the airline industry is accelerating given the rapidly increasing cost of airliners, cost of fuel and the increasingly complex and costly regulatory environment. The paper also states that these factors are making maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) the central focus on third party maintenance in the airline industry globally. In this paper, the author examines the factors leading to the rise in third party maintenance, criteria for choosing maintenance providers and the framework for evaluating MRO strategies. The paper contains a diagram and a tabe.

Outline:
Introduction
Significant Change in Progress in MRO Providers' Business Models
Considerations and Benchmarks for Selecting Maintenance Providers
Framework for Evaluating MRO Strategies
Summary

From the Paper
"The use of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to assure airline operators that their MRO measures of performance are attained, in conjunction with the development of dashboards and scorecards that can provide real-time access to data typify the highest performing airline operators. Contracts are typically thirty six months in duration and all have a specific clause that defines the minimum level of performance by each specific key performance indicator or metric. Airline operators are also increasingly relying on MRO services to increase their potential revenue streams, as Lufthansa is doing for example with Boeing engines. The transition of MRO providers into taking on more third party programs including Asset Management, surpassing their traditional role as components fix-and-replace service companies is now in full force. The many cost factors that are forcing airline operators to focus on MRO partnerships at a more fundamental and strategic level is completely re-ordering the relationship of airline operators, service providers, and components contractors. As the costs associated with operating an airline increase so will the reliance continue on MRO as a strategic alternative."

Tags:aircraft, refurbishing, fuel, regulatory, components, spares, overhaul, engines, airframes, economics, costs, profits, oil, engineering

Abstract
This paper discusses how and why errors are made in aircraft maintenance and how they can be prevented. The author stresses the need for teamwork and checks and balances. The paper reviews aircraft safety procedures.

From the Paper
"As in any highly complex system, errors occur in aircraft maintenance operations. However, unlike most work performed by professional mechanics, failure to perform aircraft maintenance properly can place human lives at risk. Workers can never eliminate risk, but proper procedures performed by competent well trained and well-equipped maintenance personnel can reduce these risks significantly. Errors can easily occur when maintenance responsibilities fall on one person. Safety assurance should rely on a qualified team of technicians instead of one person. In other word, when only one person ..."

Tags:Aviation, malpractice, aircraft maintenance, maintenance errors, FAA, NTSB

Abstract
This looks at the idea of aircraft failure through human error, aircraft maintenance and also the effects of training has on cabin crew and ground staff. The paper uses information from the NTSB concerning pilot error and looks at how certain aspects of human error have attributed to accidents with the air industry.

Abstract
This paper discusses how weather conditions have often been a contributing factor in fatal aircraft crashes, especially in private and civil transport aviation. The paper explains that this is because some of these pilots have not acquired sufficient practical or IFR experience to overcome the challenges imposed by overcast weather conditions in elevated terrain, or by intense fog on a landing approach. The paper stresses that this is especially when flying at night, when darkness can exacerbate these challenges. The paper illustrates how tragically, some pilots tend to underestimate the difficulties low ceilings or adverse weather systems can impose, or they overestimate their piloting skills.

Tags:fatal, aircraft, crashes

Abstract
There is no question that safety measures substantially contribute to the cost of purchasing an aircraft, but the cost of safety only begins with the purchase price. Further costs are incurred in performing, logging, and storing records of maintenance procedures and routine safety inspections. This paper explains, however, that it is not possible to gauge the worth of a human life in terms of dollars, and those trusting their lives to experienced pilots and proven aircraft need to be assured that their choice to fly was a prudent one. This research shows that the effects of deregulation have created an enormous increase in air travel, as well as private ownership of aircraft. The aviation industry continues to demonstrate significant progress in achieving better safety records and enjoys an enviable safety reputation. This paper provides a review of the literature to examine the human factors as well as the hardware involved in ensuring safe air travel, followed by a description of the research methodology used. The results of the research are followed by a discussion of the issues identified and the conclusions reached as a result. The research project recommendations conclude the paper.

Acknowledgments
Abstract
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapter
I Introduction
II Review of Relevant Literature and Research.
III. Research Methodology.
Research Technique
Research Design
Survey Population
Sources of Data
The Data Gathering Instrument
Pilot Study
Pretest
Distribution Method
Reliability
Validity
Treatment of Data and Procedures
IV. Results
V. Discussion
VI. Conclusions
VII. Recommendations
References
Appendixes

From the Paper
"The first successful airplane flights did not take place until 1903. Yet today, airplanes affect the lives of people almost everywhere. Giant airliners carry passengers and cargo between the world's major cities in a matter of hours. Planes and helicopters rush medicine and other supplies to the farthest islands and deepest jungles. Farmers use airplanes to seed fields, count livestock, and spray crops. Aviation has also changed the way nations make war. Modern warfare depends on the instant striking power of jet fighters and bombers and the rapid supply capabilities of jet transports. Helicopters and other special aircraft have also been important in military aviation over the last 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of airplanes are used throughout the world. They range from small planes with room for only a pilot to enormous jumbo jets, which can carry hundreds of passengers. To produce and operate all these airplanes requires the skills of millions of workers in many countries--from the engineers who design the planes to the mechanics and pilots who service and fly them. Many government agencies also work to make flying safer and more dependable. All these activities together make up the aviation industry. The industry's two major branches are the manufacture of aircraft and aircraft components, such as engines, and the operation of airlines. The manufacture of aircraft, together with the manufacture of spacecraft, missiles, and related electronic equipment, is often called the aerospace industry."

Tags:aircraft, airlines, airplanes, american, carriers, delta, deregulation, faa, flight, instruction, regional, southwest

Abstract
This paper examines Poka-Yoke, a Japanese term used to denote a fool-proofing technique that constitutes the core of zero quality control (ZQC). The paper explains that the term is derived from Poka, implying unintentional mistake, and Yoke, meaning avoiding. Normally, this technique is applied in the manufacturing processes, but has extensive uses in offices, order and invoice processing, hospitals and drug dispensing, and maintenance of aircrafts especially with processes that run the risk of causing dangerous in-service breakdown. The paper concludes that, because mistakes can be costly, Poka-Yoke is gaining popularity and is acknowledged as a competitive tool in the production process.

Outline:
Introduction to Poka-Yoke
Poka-Yoke in Manufacturing
Poka-Yoke and Modern Lean Production System
The Growing Relevance of Poka-Yoke

From the Paper
"Repeated checks are having the closest downstream operation check the work of the earlier operation. It is ensured that each operation carries out production as well as quality inspection. Efficient poka-yoke devices render such an inspection system a reality by lowering the time and cost of inspection to almost zero. Since inspections involve minimal cost, each and every time might be inspected. Given that work-in-process inventories are low, quality feedback used to enhance the process can be provided very rapidly. Self-checks using poka-yoke devices let workers evaluate the quality of their own work. As they check each and every unit produced, operators might be able to find out what conditions underwent changes that led to the previous unit to be defective. This understanding is used to check subsequent defects. Self-checks are chosen to successive checks in cases wherever feasible (A Brief Tutorial on Mistake-Proofing, Poka-Yoke, and ZQC)"

Tags:quality, control, Japan, product, manufacture, human, error