Introduction to the Role of an Aviation Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) Defect Control Engineer
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary responsibilities of an MCC Defect Control Engineer
Introduction Roles & Responsibilities
The Defect Control Engineer (DCE) is expected to be a subject matter expert with the ability to provide immediate real-time expert advice and guidance to operational pilots on the interpretation of the MEL dispatch and technical troubleshooting. The role is often the primary interface between the maintenance department and the flight crew, with duties including the support for any Aircraft on Ground (AOG) recovery process.
The DCE will also monitor MEL/CDL/critical deferred defects across the fleet and ensure plans are in place to rectify each within the allowed time limit in coordination with maintenance providers.
Track and analyse repetitive defects across the fleet, liaise with flight crew to understand and advise on technical raisings as and when they happen.
The DCE must strive to ensure effective communication and to address typical barriers (usually driven from the physical disconnection with the aircraft and maintenance providers)
» Barriers can slow down or hinder performance.
» Maintenance teams face challenges related to organizational, technical and personnel issues.
» Tooling and Spares / Material issues often present issues.
The Defect Control Engineer typically works with the maintenance providers to troubleshoot and rectify.
» Any defects reported by the flight crew or found by the maintenance provider during layovers.
» Communicate with customers and program leaders regarding any AOC out-of-service aircraft and rectification plans.
» On a continuous Basis to identify recurring aircraft maintenance faults as well as trends and to provide appropriate recommendations and if necessary, issue works orders to address such faults and trends
» Generate work requirements to correct issues and follow up to ensure corrective measures are in place
» Review chronic issues and identify prognostic activities to mitigate their occurrence.
» Review top issues and regular developments related to the effectiveness of the management and control of Aircraft Defects & support the introduction of improvements to mitigate such issues
» Continually monitor technical data and reliability alerts for trends and pending failures. Issue work order instructions to maintenance provider for rectification of these faults.
» Monitor the consumption of engine oil and hydraulic fluids based on available data to identify negative trends
» Coordinate with stakeholders to return AOG aircraft to service with minimal schedule disruption.
» Coordinate any line maintenance technical activities that may impact scheduled flight operations
» Coordinate clearing of Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Configuration Deviation List (CDL) deferrals with maintenance provider.
» Communicate dispatch issues that may impact scheduled maintenance activities
Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) and Sofema Online (www.sofemaonline.com) offer EASA Regulatory Compliant and Vocational Training across a range of Aviation Areas including the following course. For additional details please see our Websites or email team@sassofia.com
