Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers specific issues related to the acceptance of aeronautical parts and materials.
Introduction - Here we will consider in depth the importance of FAA and EASA Stores Inspection Function and the steps necessary to ensure the correctness of all documentation
The role of the Aviation Stores Receiving Inspector is vital in ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft parts and materials. By following the provided guidance, organizations can ensure that their inspectors are competent, effective, and up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices.
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers optimum techniques and practices for lifting & handling material within the Aviation Stores Facility.
Lifting and Material Handling Principles & Practice
Introduction - Employees using smart lifting practices are far less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist injuries, elbow injuries, spinal injuries, and other injuries caused by lifting heavy objects.
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at best practice to ensure optimum Aircraft Zonal Inspection within your Organisation.
Consider the following reasons, which have been understood to impact the Inspection process and to also provide an insight as to why Inspection Does NOT “Always” Identify the Problem:
- Visual Inspection is typically 80% of all inspection activities - Visual Inspection forms a vital part of the many available Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) techniques - Visual inspection is of the greatest importance to aviation reliability, for airframes, power plants and systems. - Performed correctly it can detect a variety of defects, from cracks and corrosion to loose fasteners, ill-fitting doors, wear or stretching in control cables as well as damaged components.
Borescope inspection is a skill, which can be learnt. Inspectors are able to see through the scope easily recognizable defects (If present) and are able to interpret with minimal subjectivity. The proficiency that comes with experience allows Inspectors to identify subtle issues like the shifting of a burner can, for instance, that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For inspection purpose, the turbine engine is divided into two main sections: the cold and hot.
Inspection should be carried out in accordance with an agreed time line - a single finding should not stop the process rather it should be noted & documented but the process to continue otherwise this can have significant repercussions of stopping and starting the program and finding more defects even at the end of the check.
Typically all inspection should be completed at the 20% completed point of the critical path timeline.
Certain Parts will require special attention due to the size for example Aircraft Landing Gears and Engines. To ensure adequate inspection techniques are followed the following should be included.
a) Written procedures?
b) Internal quality audit procedures?
c) Signature procedures?
d) Procedures for checking for physical damage and defects?
e) Preservation procedures?
f) Procedures for quantities received controls?
g) Verification procedures for part/model/serial numbers?
The following information provides general support and guidance information to assist the Incoming Inspector to carry out all elements of the required process. If there are any doubts the part should be placed in Quarantine and the Quality Manager contacted for resolution.
Check the packages(s) for transit damage - The package should be carefully examined to ensure that it is not suffered from any obvious damage during the delivery process. Any indications of superficial damage should be noted and appropriate action taken.
What is an STC - Supplemental Type Certificate ? A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is a document issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approving a product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) modification. The STC defines the product design change, states how the modification affects the existing type design, and lists serial number affectivity. An STC is typically owned by a FAR 21/Part 21 Design organisation who remains responsible for the “Continuing Airworthiness” of the Product. It also identifies the certification basis listing specific regulatory compliance for the design change.
Information contained in the certification basis is helpful for those applicants proposing subsequent product modifications and evaluating certification basis compatibility with other STC modifications.
What is a C of C? Certificate of Conformity. Affirmations that the supplier has complied with your purchase order.
Is a Purchase Order a contract? Yes it is. If you have not accurately fulfilled the PO, you have not fulfilled a contract. So to consider the C of C as a supporting document only!
What is the AMP – Aircraft Maintenance Program The AMP is the operators approved maintenance program, typically based on the MPD (Maintenance Planning Document). Note the Aircraft Maintenance Program includes Operator additional requirements over the AMS.
Correct Aircraft bonding is of critical importance Inadequate bonding or grounding may lead to poor performance or in the very worst case contribute to the loss of the aircraft.
Poor bonding performance may cause Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electrostatic Discharge Damage (ESD) and lead to intermittent defects. Normal operations impose many stresses and environmental conditions on the many kilometers of Electrical Wiring. It is important that periodic inspections are performed to detect any deterioration.
Inspections should look for Abrasions, Integrity of Insulation, and Condition of all terminations and the possibility of terminal corrosion.
All Electrical Grounds must be given special attention to ensure that the bonding resistance has not increased by corrosion or the loosening of the connections.
