MAKING THE METAL FLY
LYNN FREDERICK DSOUZA AVIATION STRATEGIST | ENGINEER
NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE AVIATION COUNCIL AT WICCI | FOUNDER & DIRECTOR - ESPIRIDI
MAINTENANCE
Main Responsibilities
Technicians usually work at airline companies, manufacturers or repair facilities. Sometimes, the issues may come as vibration, heavy equipment or just plain noise. Calibrating equipment and testing it is one of the basic duties for an avionics technician. Usually, technicians work in pair and complete reports of each part they verify for faults. Since many aircraft crashes implied a thorough analysis of the cause, the data, which each technician inputs in the process of filling a report, is utterly important for the general knowledge of aircraft manufacturers.
Technicians work hand in hand with mechanics, in some cases, as airplanes or helicopters may need different periodical checks judging by the hours they have flown. Metal fatigue may cause circuitry faults as well. A combination of these factors makes the inspections more important than ever. The military owns airplanes with advanced technological features where the inspections can take days or even weeks. Sometimes the parts in question are not easy to reach and the use of scaffolding or harnesses to hoist the technician makes this job as perilous as a construction worker's.
The next step an avionics technician can take is the avionics engineer based on flight or communication. Though engineer may sound better, the technicians with high expertise are the most important game the companies' hunt.
A CHECK
This is performed approximately every 500 - 800 flight hours or 200 - 400 cycles. It needs about 20 - 50 man-hours and is usually performed overnight at an airport gate or hangar. The actual occurrence of this check varies by aircraft type, the cycle count (takeoff and landing is considered an aircraft "cycle"), or the number of hours flown since the last check. The occurrence can be delayed by the airline if certain predetermined conditions are met.
B CHECK
This is performed approximately every 4–6 months. It needs about 150 man-hours and is usually performed within 1–3 days at an airport hangar. A similar occurrence schedule applies to the B check as to the A check. B checks may be incorporated into successive A checks, i.e.: A-1 through A-10 complete all the B check items.
C CHECK
This is performed approximately every 20–24 months or a specific amount of actual flight hours (FH) or as defined by the manufacturer. This maintenance check is much more extensive than a B Check, requiring a large majority of the aircraft's components to be inspected. This check puts the aircraft out of service and until it is completed, the aircraft must not leave the maintenance site. It also requires more space than A and B Checks—usually a hangar at a maintenance base. The time needed to complete such a check is generally 1–2 weeks and the effort involved can require up to 6000 man-hours. The schedule of occurrence has many factors and components as has been described, and thus varies by aircraft category and type.
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Experience Overview
*Experienced on Aircrafts; A319/320/321/330, B737/777, ATR 42/72-500 (72-212A), MI 172, MD 900/600N, AVRO HS 748, Devon.
*Experienced on Engines; CFM, IAEV, P&W, CF34, CF6, GE90, GENX, Rolls Royce Trent 700.
*Experienced on Modifications and Troubleshooting; MPC Mod, IFE Mod, Flow Indicator Mod (passenger unit), Titanium LE Slat Proximity Sensor mod,
SB: 737-24-1176 REV03 (B737/VT-SJA),
SB: ATR72-31-1051 REV13, SB: ATR72-30-1040 (ATR 72-500/VT-JCH),
SB: ATR72-34-1093 REV02 (Modify Weight on Wheel and Extended Squitter Logics), ATR72-34-1086 REV01(Transponder Mode S mod), ATR72-34-1088 REV04 (FLT ID Transmission, ATR72-31-1075 REV02 (MPC) ;(ATR72-500/VT-JCD),
SB: ATR72-27-1067 REV00, ATR568F-61-58 REV00(Propeller De-icer leads mod); (ATR72-500/VT-JCT).
HIGHLIGHTS: (done as per AMM)
-Assisted in Shock Absorber Dynamic Seal Change + Wheel Change of Nose Landing Gear on VT-KFW, VT-KFS; A320 (IAEV2500)
-Assisted in Compressor Temperature Sensor Change on VT-KFW; A320 (IAEV2500).
-Assisted in Functional and Continuity check on EGT harness/junction box .
-Assisted in Resistance check of Thermocouple.
-Assisted in Inspection of Starter Generator.
-Assisted in Oil/Filter Change of IDG and Engine.
-Assisted in APU Filter change.
-Assisted in Inspection of Fire Line in Engine.
-Assisted in Propeller Break change on VT KAK (ATR 72-212A).
-Assisted in Installation of PCMCIA card in FDIMU on VT KFW;A320(IAEV2500).
-Assisted in EWIS detailed inspection on hot section, fan and gear accessory and fwd pylon section.
-Associated with Ignition Lead Removal/Installation.
-Assisted in Hydrostatic Test of Engine Fire Extinguishers-bottles incl. check setting of pressure switch.
-Associated with Engine change (ATR72-500/VT-JCD).
*C CHECKS on Airbus, Boeing and ATR.
*ADDITIONAL: IFE Systems & Nav data loading, Battery Capacity Testing, Calibration of Pressure Gauges and Torque Wrenches, Electrical shop, Headset repair, CVR Readout, DFDR Dumping, Co-ordination, Fuel Tank safety, Team Management.
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