Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) – Defect Control Procedure related to the treatment of MEL applicable defects.

Terminology 

DCE - Defect Control Engineer

Introduction - For aircraft operated with an MEL the following procedures apply:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the basic process involved with implementation of a Defect Control process within the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC).

Introduction

The complexity of the MCC Systems used to manage defects, including the organisation of rectification downtime and deferral using MEL procedures, as well as identifying and handling recurring defects will vary according to the type of aircraft operated and the size and nature of the operation.

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.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary roles and responsibilities of MCC Personnel.

Duty Material Planner / AOG Desk

The Duty Material Planner / AOG Desk is responsible to the Manager Maintenance Control to ensure that provisioning of parts, material & tooling is available to support the short term requirements and deferred defect rectification. In addition to expedite all material parts & tooling to support Aircraft which are AOG (Aircraft on Ground).

Review by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

General Introduction

The Maintenance Control Center (MCC) acts as an integrator of multiple elements bringing together key mission-critical oversight activities

The MCC may be co-located with the Operations Control Centre (OCC) or developed as a separate unit

It is usually expected that the operation control centre (OCC) is supported by the Maintenance Control Center (MCC) which not only controls aircraft maintenance activities, also provides interface & guidance for the outstations.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key features required for a Maintenance Software to support the functionality of an effective MCC

Introduction – Considering Key Features of Maintenance Management Software?

The MRO software should be seen as a resource that is demonstrably providing a competitive advantage.

» Scheduling Maintenance. One of the most basic and most important maintenance management features is the maintenance schedule. ...
» Monitor & Manage Work Order. ...
» Maintenance Logs. ...
» Maintenance Work Checklist. ...
» Proactive Maintenance. ...
» Inventory Tracking. ...
» Reports & Analytics.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices related to the management of Recurrent Defects within the Maintenance Control Centre

Introduction - How To Ensure That Outcomes Of Repeated Defect Analysis Provide Meaningful Results

Maximization of fleet availability depends in part on having the ability to identify potential repeating defects on either individual or fleet aircraft and to expedite the necessary maintenance action.

» Being able to identify such repeating defects is dependent on a number of  variables

o   Has the defect been correctly recorded into the reliability system?

o   Can we rely on Engineering to ensure that outcomes of repeated defect analysis provide meaningful results?

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the process to ensure effective control of “Aircraft On Ground” (AOG’s) & Unscheduled Maintenance

Introduction

Significant losses are suffered due to AOG’s and unscheduled maintenance, across industry tunning to many millions of Dollars.

» Losses Occur primarily due to the non-availability of aircraft resulting in lost revenue.
» Parts & Materials ordered on an AOG basis are typically charged at a premium rate.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practices needed to ensure effective management of Technical Documentation within the Maintenance Control Centre

Introduction

Strong Management of Technical documentation is imperative for a well-run Maintenance Control Centre. Administration of technical document management should never be overlooked and can adversely affect smooth-running and operational effectiveness if not managed to a high level.

To support efficiency & safety we should ensure that we have the most appropriate systems and processes in place that can help support all associated business areas.

SofemaOnline (SOL) considers the communication relationship between the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) and the Airline Operations Control Centre (OCC)

Introduction – Considering OCC Functions

The goal of any OCC is to be efficient, effective and promote best practice decision making- To make the best decision for the right reasons (Based on the optimum data set available)

The development of an OCC is a continuous process usually driven by either a shortfall in expected outcome (driven by an ineffective process) or the internal need to improve a process which whilst compliant with the objective no longer meets acceptance.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary roles and responsibilities of MCC Personnel – Shift Engineer

Shift Manager of Maintenance Control (Aircraft Maintenance Controller)

The MCC Shift Engineer is responsible to the Maintenance Control Centre Manager for the smooth operation of the MCC department with the following key responsibilities.

Will typically have 5 years minimum experience with a relevant technical background. Will be expected to have worked in most areas of maintenance, including base maintenance, line maintenance, & production planning.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary roles and responsibilities of MCC Personnel

Manager of Maintenance Control

The MCC Manager is responsible to the Accountable Manager/Technical Director/Continuing Airworthiness Manager (As applicable) for the smooth operation of the MCC department with the following key responsibilities.

Will typically have 10 years minimum experience as well as recent appropriate managerial experience with a relevant technical background. Will be expected to have worked in most areas of maintenance, including base maintenance, line maintenance, and production planning.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the process of developing an Aviation Maintenance Control Centre from an existing EASA compliant Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) operation

Introduction - What’s in a MCC?

     »  All the elements of Maintenance Control are to be found within Part M of the regulations (however the reverse statement is not true)

To consider the contents of Part M, in particular, Part M Subpart C as an appropriate starting point.