Aircraft Maintenance Industry – Everything You Need to Know
Aircraft maintenance is a systematic and consistent procedure that requires regular check-ups to ensure safe operation. Even all-new aircraft require to be examined prior to transporting passengers. Aircraft are complex pieces of engineering. Even one of the little pieces out of place or is not connected correctly can result in mechanical defects. Further, a bit of residue can be unsafe for passengers and put their lives in jeopardy. There have been many high-profile cases of mishaps activated by a lack of comprehensive maintenance. Airlines today are investing in efforts to ensure all maintenance procedures are done and dusted.
For this increasing demand, there are many jobs in the field of aircraft maintenance. Aircraft maintenance is a dedicated field that demands training. A thorough understanding and analysis of the aircraft avionics and structural features are required and trained. Most juniors will have job training under the scrutiny of senior aircraft maintenance engineers to endorse that students carry out the assigned tasks on an everyday basis. Students are certainly trained to be experts in maintenance and they are allowed to graduate and get professional certification.
Once you have graduated, you will be specialized in skills that demand the aircraft maintenance field. You are more likely to get jobs in commercial and private airlines. Further, business and chartered airlines may also have job prospects. The initial salary primarily depends on the region, though its above-average between many maintenance professions.
Besides, the job offers stability and security for all those who enter the field. Mostly, aircraft maintenance is performed behind the scenes. At times, the procedure is also carried out on the runway. Passengers tend to have a great sense of security when watching the aircraft is being inspected. Knowing the maintenance employees are regularly maintaining the safety of the aircraft, this makes the airline more reputed and trusted.
The aircraft maintenance procedure is a technical activity conducted on an airplane whilst it remains on the base maintenance setting. At times, a hangar environment may also be required but might not be necessary every time. A few reasons to carry out aircraft maintenance are the following:
- Aircraft safety
- Aircraft in complete service which is of prime importance to an operator and meets its schedule
- Enhance the value of an asset (engines, components, and airframe)
The maintenance procedure comprises of preventive and corrective work to make sure there are no unidentified defects. There will be an all-inclusive inspection to monitor the progress of the wear out processes. Besides, there is scheduled work to get ahead and prevent failures. Also, there is unscheduled work for on-condition maintenance and repair maintenance. For preventive work, two conditions are required to meet.
- The article needs to be restored to its original reliability
- The finance for maintenance need to be less than the failure it is proposed to prevent
Light or Line Maintenance
This typically includes daily examination, pre-flight checks, failure rectification, and other scheduled maintenance tasks. Further, it includes troubleshooting, defect rectification, minor repairs and modifications, and component replacement. Also, it includes scheduled maintenance that identifies evident failures and does not require a thorough inspection. Minor modifications and repairs do not need extensive disassembly that can be achieved through simple means.
Base or Heavy Maintenance
Base maintenance is a comprehensive procedure that comprises of in-depth and long-lasting tasks. This largely includes:
- C and D checks to examine any deterioration of the engines, systems, and airframe
- Exclusion of defects – the execution of Service Bulletins (SB) and Airworthiness Directives (AD)
- Technology upgrade
- Reconfiguration
Workshop Maintenance
The workshop maintenance covers important components when detached from aircraft such as seats, engines, APU, etc. At times, it is conducted within a similar organization as the Base Maintenance. Though some companies prefer carrying out this process separately.
Maintenance Intervals
The duration of maintenance is set parameters within the Approved Maintenance Schedule (AMS). Though the time frame is set according to different criteria primarily depending on how the damage can be identified and failure is predicted.
On-Condition
It’s a preventive process in which an item is examined or tested at specified periods to figure out whether it can continue in service. Such scrutiny may reveal a requirement for maintenance action. The primary purpose of on-condition maintenance is to remove an item before failure in service.
Condition Monitoring
Information is collected, evaluated and interpreted consistently to decide whether or not to execute corrective procedures. The process is typically automated and may form a specific part of the aircraft onboard management.
Aircraft maintenance engineers have been long in demand in the aviation industry. Anyone who is active, practical and searching for a secure operation may find a great career in aircraft maintenance. Hawk Aviations specialize in general aircraft maintenance, sales support, avionics installations, and modifications. The integrity of the organization, the use of contemporary test equipment, and well-resourced workshops enable the facility to provide assured service and support within the aviation industry.
