Abstract This paper discusses how and why errors are made in aircraftmaintenance 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 ..."
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."
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.
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."
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"."
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."
Abstract This paper is a literature review on studies that have been done on standard safety measures in commercial aircraft. The paper also discusses new and revolutionary measures that have been researched and added on to pre-existing safety equipments, such as seatbelts, to ensure optimal safety measures.
From the Paper "Aircraft safety has become increasingly important during the last few decades. An increase in commercial flight accidents have for example also brought to light the need for better aircraft safety measures. For this reason, several studies have been conducted, with the result of new safety measures being implemented for commercial aircraft. Standard safety measures such as seatbelts and structure have been supplemented by revolutionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew alike."
Tags: commercial aircraft, design, aircraft industry
Abstract This paper examines the history of composite materials in the aircraft industry, their uses, the benefits and downsides of their us, and their future applications.
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.
Abstract This paper analyzes the issue of software maintenance stating that software maintenance is an ongoing process that helps sustain the software product throughout its life cycle. It explains that for many, if not most programs, software maintenance is virtually automatic with the computer itself accessing websites and checking for updates and then installing what needs to be installed. In other cases, it claims, the user must perform the task manually or must request that the system check for updates and make changes.
From the Paper "Software maintenance is an ongoing process that helps sustain the software product throughout its life cycle. For many if not most programs, software maintenance is virtually automatic, with the computer itself accessing websites and checking for updates and then installing what needs to be installed. In other cases, the user must perform the task manually or must request that the system check for updates and make changes. The process includes several steps for the programmer, occurring as modification requests are logged and tracked, the impact of proposed changes is ascertained, the code is modified, the system is tested, and a new version of the software product is released. Any necessary additional training is then provided to users. Software maintenance can be defined as the modification of a software product after delivery and installation, with an eye to correcting faults, improving performance or other attributes, or adapting the product to a changed environment."
Abstract This looks at the idea of aircraft failure through human error, aircraftmaintenance 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 presents background information on the history of the aircraft industry and then takes a look at how the industry differs in various countries. The paper looks at the competition between countries in the aircraft industry and looks at why trade in the aircraft industry between countries is beneficial. The paper also examines different aircraft industry companies and the importance of a strong aeronautics industry from both a defense and economic perspective.
Table of Contents
Early History
Post World War II
Discussion Reasons for Advantages in Trade
Differences in Technology
Differences in Resource Endowments
Why is a Balance Trade So Important?
Building Weapons for the Aircraft War - Mergers and Governmental
Support
Other Non Domestic Competition
The Open Market/Future Competitors?
The Whole Story behind Large Commercial Aircraft Issues
The Bilateral Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft Conclusion
From the Paper " When the United States was drawn into World War II, the U.S. had no choice but to help its European allies. Because of its physical isolation from the fighting itself, the U.S. found that it's greatest strength in winning the war was its ability to manufacture the weapons of war for itself and its allies in massive quantities. German occupied France and any war related manufacturing was co-opted by the Axis. England was under constant bombardment, which interfered with the import of raw materials for manufacturing as well as the process itself. Long before "D" Day, the U.S. began to ramp up its manufacturing abilities to supply weapons, aircraft and ships for the on-going war."
Tags: barriers, manufacturing, goods, tariffs, imported, producers, domestic, England, France
Abstract This paper provides a critical examination and analysis of the use of business aircraft for corporate travelers. The discussion focuses upon the financial impact owning and operating extremely expensive business aircraft have on a business entity's bottom line. The paper notes, however, that as important as the high costs of such a course are, isolated economic factors are not all that have to be considered by corporations when weighing the positive and negative aspects of corporate aircraft ownership. The great expense involved in owning a business aircraft must be measured against the alternatives, which frequently incur the loss of valuable CEO time, decreased corporate privacy while in flight, increased schedule complications, limited airport access, decreased safety, and the loss of prestige involved in flying commercial carriers such as Air Yak when competitors are globe-trotting in their own thirty-eight million dollar Gulfstream V's.
Abstract How does cognitive psychology apply to the real world, most especially how does it apply to a specific occupation, that of the aircraft technician/mechanic? To answer these questions, this paper examines the meaning of cognitive psychology and the various psychologists who shaped this theory. The paper then explores the skills and duties required to be an aircraft technician.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
What is Cognitive Psychology
Early Twentieth Century
Reemergence Of Cognitive Psychology
The Aircraft Technician's Skills and Duties
How Does Cognitive Psychology Apply toward Understanding the Aircraft Technician's Job?
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Not only must an airplane mechanic know about airplanes, but also he or she must be able to multi-task on a regular basis. An airplane mechanic may be a specialist in airplanes or even certain types of airplanes but the occupation itself requires that the individual have a number of skills and be able to use any one of them at a moments notice. For instance, an airplane mechanic must be able to start and run aircraft in order to perform operational tests using live aircraft engine power. He or she must be able to both tow and service the aircraft. In order to do this, the mechanic must have passed specific licensing requirements."
