Aircraft reliability is important during operation, and it is also a mandatory consideration as a part of the aircraft management for EASA registered aircraft – reliability monitoring can increase on time performance, reduce non-scheduled maintenance events, and help manage risk by tracking trends or highlighting issues.
We can get the reliability data from multiple sources – note that the data source is important, and consideration is always required here in selecting the appropriate and useful sources.
We can look at maintenance findings from AMP (Aircraft Maintenance Program) tasks and these findings are assessed at intervals, such as an HMV (Heavy Maintenance Visit) or C check); additionally, we can also consider the operational non routine maintenance entries such as from line maintenance and or light checks.
Subsequent reactions based on these findings are discussed with CAMO, for example at Fleet Reliability Meetings where reports and actions derived from the findings are discussed and specific actions are allocated to members, with set timelines.
Criteria for Examining Reliability is important and needs to be tailored to your operation and fleet size so it’s crucial to have documented criteria for analysing defects. These criteria vary, especially for smaller fleet sizes and key areas to consider include:
Flight defects.
Observations from routine maintenance.
Workshop and overhaul insights.
Maintenance procedure effectiveness.
Staff training.
Technical bulletins and instructions.
Following identification of non-scheduled maintenance then the reliability analysis takes over and the depth of analysis will depend on the specific operation of the aircraft under CAMO, with some elements to consider including:
Flight defects and operational reliability.
Defects on the operational line and main base.
Maintenance equipment adequacy.
Workshop findings.
Reliability personnel should continuously review reports to identify any alarming trends, significant events, or exceeded alert levels – these alert levels can be beneficial in a larger fleet but can cause issues in smaller fleet sizes.
Given the vast amount of information, visually presenting the data is crucial and so consider using charts or graphs to illustrate trends and correlations – a picture can demonstrate clear trends where numbers alone might not.
Reliability involves continuous data collection, review, analysis, action, and documentation, all within a framework of clear accountability and communication.
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