If you…
a. are curious about aircraft maintenance
b. are looking to join the industry
c. are simply tired of explaining to people what your job is
… then this article was written specially for you!
Many people who are not involved in the aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry tend to think that maintenance is just ‘fixing aeroplane things’. They don’t understand that the person who repairs engines is unlikely to be the same one who can replace cabin interiors!
So, in this article, we will discuss three types of aircraft maintenance that constitute varying levels and types of tasks – and hopefully, this clears the air of mystery that surrounds aircraft maintenance!
Line Maintenance
Dviation Licensed Aircraft Engineers and technicians performing routine line maintenance checks on a landing gear.
Source: Dviation Group
This aspect of maintenance is carried out on the apron, during turnarounds, while the aircraft remains in its operating environment. Part 145 regulations define line maintenance as any maintenance tasks that can be performed outside of a hangar, under open skies. Tasks related to line maintenance are relatively straightforward, and often involve routine in-service inspections, daily check actions, trouble-shooting and rectifications. Components designated as Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) can be replaced during this time. Line maintenance is usually limited by the availability of ground support equipment.
Base Maintenance
Source: elbeflugzeugwerke
Unlike line maintenance, base maintenance involves the removal of an aircraft from service, for a longer period usually more than one day and could be up to thirty (30) days. This occurs in a hangar, where the aircraft is separated from its operating environment; specialized tools and equipment are required. It is during this aspect of maintenance where scheduled checks are performed, along with any rectification activities, and defect investigations. In essence, base maintenance involves ‘heavier’ tasks than line maintenance, such as C and D checks. Base maintenance calls for more time-consuming tasks, included structural work, corrosion prevention, interior refurbishment and the replacement of major components.
Component Maintenance
Source: innofrator.com
Now, what happens to all the parts that have been replaced or removed in line and base maintenance? This is where component maintenance comes in. Avionics units, various mechanical and electrical aircraft and engine components, and even the entire engines are among some of the components that are inspected in detail in a specialist shop, after being removed. LRUs also face the same fate. In this type of maintenance, you will be working on specific detached parts, rather than on the aircraft itself. A Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) is used to identify the tasks that should be carried out on a particular component. It includes the procedures for restoring the component to a serviceable state.
Although seemingly different, all three types of aircraft maintenance require a great deal of skill and attention to detail – and when you’ve executed a job successfully,, nothing else can be more rewarding than seeing the aircraft in tip-top condition!
Dviation has a large team of technicians working under the Dviation Group in line and base maintenance for multiple airlines. Many of which were trained by DITO (Dviation International Training Organization). They also have skilled personnel who specialise in a various aircraft components!
If you’re interested to be part of the team, visit www.dviation.com!