Newsletters
March 2010
Aviation Technology Solutions |
March 2010 Newsletter |
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Failure to comply with AD requirements - this is not something an air carrier wants to hear. Recently several air carriers have experienced FAA enforcement and negative media coverage for AD compliance issues. Could less then optimum regulatory knowledge and quality processes be a contributing factor? If so, what can be done about it? When a potential problem with an AD is discovered, the air carrier will stop the aircraft as soon as possible and conduct a full inspection. If you've worked at an air carrier, you can relate to situations where personnel who have any remote stake in an issue, gather around to discuss the "next steps." And in the aftermath of aircraft groundings, air carrier management may be nipping at the heels of their employees wanting answers as to how this could have happened. FAA fines can mount up quickly for every aircraft cycle flown in a non-compliant condition. Whether the suspected problem relates to documentation, workmanship or a mechanical discrepancy, both the FAA and air carrier can be under scrutiny for lack of AD process oversight. Are some air carrier personnel lacking solid regulatory knowledge that could lead to poor decision making when developing compliance documents or making airworthiness determinations? When an air carrier has doubt about the compliance status of an AD, their first priority is to quickly conduct research with intent to validate the concern. When enough evidence suggests there may be a non airworthy aircraft, they will quickly determine where the affected aircraft are located and expedite inspections accordingly. The next steps are for the air carrier to work with regulators and begin resolution, which can be an unpleasant scenario (media focus etc.), depending on the breadth of the non-compliance. Early in the process one could ask, "Were the individuals involved in the process adequately equipped with solid regulatory knowledge to make proper airworthiness determinations with respect to ADs?" It brings to question, how much regulatory training do air carriers provide for individuals working these issues? Problems with documentation can contribute to non-compliance. How does this come about? AD documents can be complex. It often takes multiple draft revisions when developing maintenance instruction documents to ensure that the final document contains all the necessary steps and parameters to comply with the AD. A robust quality control process can minimize inadequate maintenance work instructions from being published. Other success factors may include ensuring maintenance and inspection personnel are adequately trained to perform the required actions and in the use of appropriate tooling, test equipment and clarification of associated documentation from the OEM such as Service Bulletins. Ensuring a clear understanding of what is required by the AD action will increase the likelihood of consistent and proper execution of AD compliance. Solid processes and adequate internal oversight play a huge role in an air carrier's ability to succeed at AD compliance. No matter what size the air carrier is, a successful outcome thrives on the knowledge and experience of those who engage in the AD program. From conception of the maintenance work instruction document to the records retention system, each component of the process must be designed to meet the needs of the air carrier. If it's not a workable and easily understood process, you may not have consistent, repeatable results. We're in an age where flying is safer than ever; however, it's critical that the safety and quality processes utilized by an air carrier be of the highest caliber afforded to them. The audit and surveillance activities of an air carrier's AD management process are critical to ensure even the best of processes are working as advertised. For the hundreds of ADs an air carrier maintains in compliance, all it takes is one instance of non-compliance to potentially wreak havoc in an air carrier's operation. Understanding how an air carrier's organization interfaces is key to a well functioning AD program since the process is interwoven into many work groups. Identifying challenges, implementing timely corrective actions and keeping abreast of new methods for operational improvements can mitigate potential problems with AD compliance. An evaluation of the internal audit and surveillance process and an assessment of the processes itself, may reveal weak links in the system. Regulatory training can round out the necessary skills required to make good decisions that may otherwise negatively affect the operation if not done wisely. Occasionally it takes a third party to conduct an independent measurement to provide additional assurances that an air carrier's personnel have the capabilities and strong processes exist to maintain 100% AD compliance the first time, every time. The FAA provides oversight, but it's the air carrier who takes the fall with fines and operational disruptions when there's an instance of AD non-compliance. It's up to the air carrier to be their own watch dog and utilize all tools at their disposal to maintain AD compliance.
Power Engineers contracted JDA to support the airspace safety analysis pertaining to the installation of a power transmission line in New England. Power Engineers is an Idaho based engineering consultant, serving power delivery and generation, industrial and telecommunications clients worldwide. JDA will provide analysis and support the FAA requirements for obtaining a no hazard to aviation determination for the power line installation.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on March 3 approved, by voice vote, a bill (HR 4714) that would reauthorize the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) from fiscal 2011 through 2014 with more investigative reach and funding. The measure would authorize $484 million in NTSB spending from fiscal 2011 through 2014. It would call for increases every year, including $117.4 million for fiscal 2011, $17 million more than President Obama's proposal. The measure would also authorize an additional 66 personnel for NTSB in fiscal 2011. Backers of the increased funding and extended authorities said the measure would help the agency with its investigations and give more clout to its recommendations. The bill would make it easier for NTSB to subpoena witnesses for its investigations by allowing it to request evidence and information without formally scheduling a hearing. Current law is vague on when subpoenas can be issued, and witnesses have used that loophole to fight requests. Beyond the board's underlying mission, the bill would allow the NTSB to conduct safety-training classes and investigate overseas accidents in coordination with the State Department. It would also broaden jurisdiction over commercial space launch accidents and allow the agency to enter into contracts to carry out its duties.
Under a new rule, which is set to take effect nationwide on April 29, U.S. airlines operating domestic flights are prohibited from permitting an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours without deplaning passengers. Exceptions are allowed for safety, security, or if air traffic control advises the pilot in command that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations. U.S. carriers operating international flights departing from or arriving in the United States must specify, in advance, their own time limits for deplaning passengers, with the same exceptions applicable. Carriers are required to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention. The rule also:
The rule was adopted in response to the high incidence of flight delays and other consumer problems, and a series of incidents in which passengers were stranded on the ground aboard aircraft for lengthy periods.
If you are attending the Aviation Week MRO Americas 2010 trade show and conference in Phoenix, AZ April 20-22 at the Phoenix Convention Center, please stop by booth 940. Some of the JDA products and services that will be highlighted include:
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Current JDA Projects:
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