Rational Approach for an Aging Mechanical Systems Program

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Rational Approach for an Aging Mechanical Systems Program

R. C. Jones / J. DiMambro

In 1998, the White Commission recommended expanding the Federal Aviation Administration Aging Aircraft Program to include mechanical and electrical systems. In 1999, an aging mechanical systems study was initiated. The Aging Transport Systems Rulemaking Advisory Committee found that mechanical systems were a low priority; however, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that these systems be reviewed, including those for smaller transport airplanes. Since that time, a mechanical systems group conducted several studies of airplane flight control systems. During those studies, it was difficult to determine which mechanical components should be reviewed. A filter process was developed to determine the critical parts that are subject to aging. This report describes the flow chart filter process and suggests several methodologies for evaluating components identified with it. Using this process, parts were identified for several airplanes. The examination of several parts taken from high-time airplanes revealed defects that apparently were not found during normal maintenance. Some of these findings are provided in this report.