Statistics and Airplane Part Maintenance
When one works within the aircraft repair industry it is essential to both demonstrate the utmost technical know-how, as well as possess an uncanny ability to somehow predict any potential problems that might arise with a particular aircraft or part. Of course, the reason this is so important is because of the nature of flight, itself. After all, it is hardly wise to wait until a critical part or system related problem arises to deal with it. In mid-air, one simply does not have the luxury of pulling over to the side of the road to fix the issue.
Within my work setting as an aircraft parts repair specialist, it is my job to prepare or repair parts for the airplanes on my military base. Although I do not install the parts, it is not only up to me to fix the parts that are not up to par, but it is also up to me to understand the critical issues involved in the functioning (or possible malfunctioning) of any of the many components I see on a particular day, as well as to notice possible condition trends that might affect that functioning.
One of the best tools that I have at my disposal is the use of statistics to aid in my job. Specifically, I can gather statistics concerning the performance characteristics of a certain part (especially when it is one I see often), and use those "data points" to calculate the probability of a particular part having the same problem,...
Not only does this help prevent in-flight incidents or accidents, but it also aids the mechanic team in developing routine maintenance schedules for specific parts and systems.
Although the gathering of data and statistics on part performance or malfunctions is an increasing trend in my workplace, I have found that it is most exclusively utilized in the area of "Flight Safety Critical Parts," or "FSCAP." Of course, the reason that so much focus is placed on these components is that a failure of any one of these "critical" components can result in the loss of the aircraft, or even the pilot or flight crew. Thus, according to the official policy on FSCAP in my position, I must gather statistical information on the "Critical Characteristics" that make up the variables affecting the FSCAP's in my workload. These include part characteristics such as "Dimension, tolerance, finish, material, manufacturing process, inspection process, operation, depot overhaul requirement, field maintenance, and assembly" (DSCR, 2004).
Thus, in statistically evaluating the issues affecting a critical part, I take often take into consideration data on finish corrosion, total in-flight time, and maintenance schedules affecting the component. For example, in examining the…
