Aircraft MRO teams from TAC Europe 08700 600822

MRO teams in the computer age.

Implementing a new software solution is a challenge for MRO teams. Making the software work properly is difficult. Successful MRO system implementation,installing,configuring, testing and training for a computerised maintenance repair and overhaul MRO system is demanding. It might be a full scale enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation,or a smaller system to address a specialist area.

Information technology (IT) costs as a percentage of revenue run in this industry at an average of 2.8%. Industry best practices need an IT tool that enables and integrates these business processes. ERP systems typically require extensive customisation.

Technical support is always required for development of technical interfaces to link to legacy systems that might be retained at the maintenance provider. Implementation challenges include strategy, business process optimisation and software package selection and implementation, corporate strategy, supply chain, change management, ERP strategy and internet/wireless technologies. A lack of sufficient skill sets in programme and project management from the airlinexor aircraft MRO teams is commonplace. Almost everyone has a lack of experience in implementing major change in an organisation. It is generally true that most airline and MRO organisations will lack internal individuals, aerospace systems engineers with the skill sets in both IT and in the detailed specialist business processes. There will always be a need for some software modifications. Another important aspect of a software implementation project is the composition of the project team, and the number of aerospace project engineers. For example, should a company insist on a full-time on-site project manager from the software vendor?

People also underestimate the training task.
This has to be budgeted for so that it is not the first item to be cut when financial problems hit the organisation. There is no point implementing a multi-million dollar system and using only 10% of itsxcapability due to lack of forethought and budget. Aerospace Project Managers must be full-time and dedicated entirely to the project. This requires firm and enforced executive commitment and empowerment of the project team. Dispute resolution is sometimes required. Ultimately there may even be a need to bring in independent mediators with no vested interests who are able to refocus the project.

MRO software projects are expensive. The software itself can run into millions of dollars, but this money can be wasted by a poor, ill-resourced implementation project. What is invariably required is unwavering executive commitment, good project management, understanding the need for change, focused data cleansing and migration, training and realistic project planning.

Aerospace technical staff

The practical business of keeping aircraft flying is the next challenge. To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and aircraft technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections required by regulations.

Many aircraft mechanics, also called airframe mechanics, power plant mechanics, and avionics technicians, specialize in preventive maintenance. They inspect aircraft and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts. They keep records related to the maintenance performed on the aircraft. Mechanics and technicians conduct inspections following a schedule based on the number of hours the aircraft has flown, calendar days since the last inspection, cycles of operation, or a combination of these factors. In large, sophisticated aircraft equipped with aircraft monitoring systems, mechanics can gather valuable diagnostic information from electronic boxes and consoles that monitor the aircraft’s basic operations. Aircraft mechanics use precision instruments to measure parts for wear using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment to check for invisible cracks. They repair or replace worn or defective parts. Mechanics also may repair sheet metal or composite surfaces; measure the tension of control cables; and check for corrosion, distortion, and cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail. After completing all repairs, they must test the equipment to ensure that it works properly.

Licensed and qualified technical staff find and fix problems that pilots describe. For example, during a preflight check, a pilot may discover that the aircraft’s fuel gauge does not work. To solve the problem, mechanics troubleshoot the electrical system, using electrical test equipment to make sure that no wires are broken or shorted out, and replace any defective electrical or electronic components. Mechanics work as fast as safety permits the objective being to put the aircraft back into service quickly.

Airframe mechanics are qualified to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Powerplant mechanics are authorized to work on engines and do limited work on propellers. Combination airframe-and-powerplant mechanics are called A&P mechanics. Most mechanics working on civilian aircraft today are A&P mechanics. In small, independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many different types of aircraft.

Avionics systems for aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems, and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine, and other primary functions, are now an integral part of aircraft design and have vastly increased aircraft capability. Avionics technicians repair and maintain these systems. Their duties may require additional licenses.

Mechanics usually work in hangars or in other indoor areas. When hangars are full or when repairs must be made quickly, they may work outdoors, sometimes in unpleasant weather. Aircraft mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job to be stressful. Overtime and weekend work is frequent.