PMPC Prelim Exams

Aircraft Maintenance

The preservation, inspection, overhaul, and repair of an aircraft, including the replacement of parts

Aircraft Maintenance

Activities carried out based on a maintenance program following standard maintenance practices or special instructions provided by the design-type holder of the aircraft

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

a UN specialized agency established in 1944 for the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention)

ICAO

An organization working with 192 member states to publish international civil aviation standards and recommended practices (SARPs) and policies

Chicago Convention

The Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established the administrative and governance framework for international civil aviation in 1944

SARPs (Standards and Recommended Practices)

published by ICAO in the form of annexes to ensure that local civil aviation regulations and operations conform to global norms

Annex 6

An ICAO annex containing applicable standards for aircraft operations, performance, communication, navigation equipment, maintenance, flight documents, flight crew responsibilities, and aircraft security

Annex 8

An ICAO annex containing applicable standards for international airworthiness of aircraft, procedures for airworthiness certification, and continued airworthiness of aircraft, helicopters, and propellers

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration

an agency under the US Federal Aviation Act of 1958 responsible for the oversight of civil aviation within the US and providing the regulatory framework for global civil aviation activity

FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations)

which are regulations issued by the FAA aligned with the ICAO annexes to stipulate minimum standards for certifying, producing, operating, and maintaining an aircraft

FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation)

Regulations comprising Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), designed to ensure safe aviation including maintenance and certification

FAR Part 43

A regulation of FAA part covering Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration that sets standards to ensure safety and efficiency, including rebuilding and alteration of an airplane

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency)

the regulatory agency legally established in 2002 responsible for the oversight of civil aviation within the European Union

EASA

An agency that began its work in 2003 and reached full functionality in 2008, taking over the functions of the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)

JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities)

a non-regulatory body representing EU member civil aviation authorities to develop safety standards, which existed in 1970 until it disbanded in 2009

JAR (Joint Aviation Requirements)

These were safety requirements developed and issued by the JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) to establish minimum requirements for air safety

EASA Part 145

A regulatory approval standard ensuring that maintenance organisations have the capability to perform maintenance tasks safely and effectively to maintain airworthiness

IATA (International Air Transport Association)

founded in April 1945 as an independent body to serve and represent the airline travel industry

IATA

An organization that developed commercial standards and protocols to enable its 300 member airlines (as of 2023) to work together toward safe, secure, and economical airline operations

IOSA (IATA's Operational Safety Audit)

an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline

NAA (National Aviation Authority)

the authority of each sovereign state responsible for developing and enforcing a regulatory framework to ensure safe civil aviation activity in line with international standards

Process-Oriented Approach

A "bottom-up" maintenance program development approach (MSG-1 and MSG-2) that looks at individual components as the most likely causes of equipment malfunction

Hard Time Process

A process requiring that an item be removed from the vehicle and completely overhauled, partially overhauled (restored), or discarded before exceeding a specified operating interval

Hard Time Process

A process ideally applied to a component that consistently fails at a predictable operating age (always fails at X hours of operation)

On-Condition Process

A process requiring that an item be periodically inspected or tested against an established physical standard (wear or deterioration limits) to determine if it can continue in service

Condition Monitoring Process

A process applied when neither the hard time nor the on-condition process is appropriate, involving monitoring the failure rates and removals of components or systems without definite lifetimes or noticeable wear-out periods

Task-Oriented Approach

A "top-down," consequence-of-failure approach (MSG-3) whereby failure analysis is conducted at the highest management level of airplane systems instead of the component level

Task-Oriented Approach

An approach utilizing suitable scheduled maintenance tasks to prevent in-service failures and maintain the inherent level of system reliability

Airframe System Tasks

Scheduled maintenance tasks under MSG-3, including lubrication, servicing, inspections, functional checks, operational checks, visual checks, restoration, and discard tasks

General Visual Inspection

A structural items task consisting of a visual examination to detect obvious, unsatisfactory conditions or discrepancies, potentially requiring removal of fillets, opening access panels, or using work stands and ladders

General Visual Inspection

A zonal maintenance task performed to ensure that all systems, wiring, mechanical controls, and components receive adequate surveillance to check installation security and general condition

Detailed Inspection

An intensive visual inspection of a specified detail, assembly, or installation to search for irregularities using adequate lighting and inspection aids such as mirrors or hand lenses

Special Detailed Inspection

An intensive examination of a specific location resembling a detailed inspection but with the addition of special nondestructive inspection (NDI) techniques (e.g., dye penetrant, high-powered magnification, magnetic particle, eddy current)

Zonal Maintenance Program

A program ensuring that all systems, wiring, mechanical controls, components, and installations within a specified zone on the aircraft receive adequate surveillance

Transit Check

Pre-flight check maintenance tasks performed on an aircraft before every flight

Daily Check

Aircraft maintenance tasks performed every 24 hours

A Check

An aircraft check performed approximately every 400-600 hours depending on aircraft type, taking a minimum of 10 hours and lasting 1 or 2 days

A Check

An aircraft check requiring careful examination of the aircraft body for damage, deformation, corrosion, or missing parts, including changing filters, lubricating key systems, and inspecting emergency equipment

C Check

An aircraft check performed approximately every 18-24 months or a specific number of flight hours depending on aircraft type and manufacturer

C Check

An extensive check of individual systems and components for serviceability and function, carried out in a hangar at a maintenance base, putting the aircraft out of service for 1-4 weeks

D Check

The most comprehensive and demanding aircraft check, sometimes known as a "heavy maintenance visit," performed approximately every 6-10 years

D Check

An intensive check that takes the entire aircraft apart for inspection/overhaul, then puts it back together again, requiring about 1-2 months at a suitable maintenance base

Heavy Maintenance Visit

Another term for a D Check, which is the most demanding check where the entire aircraft is dismantled for inspection/overhaul and reassembled

Line Maintenance

Any maintenance carried out before flight to ensure that the aircraft is fit for the intended flight, as defined by EASA Part 145

Line Maintenance

Maintenance typically including troubleshooting, defect rectification, component replacement, minor repairs/modifications not requiring extensive disassembly, and scheduled visual checks to detect obvious failures

Base Maintenance

Maintenance consisting of less frequent, highly complex tasks such as aircraft checks (A, C, D Checks) that include a higher degree of disassembly and require specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and an MRO facility

Shop Maintenance

Maintenance covering components when they are removed from the aircraft, also termed as "Workshop" maintenance

Block Maintenance

A basic maintenance scheduling system (also called Pyramid maintenance) characterized by fixed preparation times, low workload variability, and scheduling long ground times for older aircraft or long-haul carriers

Equalized Maintenance

A progressive maintenance scheduling system designed for short-haul or low-cost carriers to equalize resources and maintain a constant workload through checks short enough to be completed overnight

Advisory Circular (AC) 120-16G

Refers to the air carrier maintenance manual system, maintenance record/documentation keeping system, and various other FAA requirements.

Controlled Documents

Used for operation and/or maintenance of aircraft in accordance with FAA regulations.

Controlled Documents

Have limited distribution within airlines, require regular modifications, and must include list of revisions, active, and revoked page numbers in document.

Non-Controlled Documents

Provided by the operators and manufacturers for general reference without strict revision control.

Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM)

It contains basic information required to service, repair, replace, adjust, inspect, and check equipment and systems on the aircraft.

Component Maintenance Manual (CMM)

It contains information required to check, repair, adjust, test and/or overhaul units or assemblies, normally performed away from the airplane because of the need for special equipment.

Component Location Manual (CLM) / System Description Section (SDS)

It contains information on component location, system operation, and Training Information Points for all systems and equipment installed in the aircraft.

Fault Isolation Manual (FIM) / Trouble Shooting Manual (TSM)

It contains information required to isolate and correct faults in the systems and equipment installed in the aircraft.

Non-Destructive Testing Manual (NTM/NDTM)

Gives instructions with regard to specific nondestructive testing procedures for the aircraft.

Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM)

For Boeing, it is a collection of diagrams, drawings, and lists that define the wiring of associated equipment installed on the aircraft.

Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM)

For Airbus, ____ is divided into AWL, AWM, and ASM.

Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM)

It gives a full understanding of the electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical system installation and physical connections of the aircraft.

Aircraft Wiring List (AWL)

Provides list of wires, connectors, terminals, strip locations, wire routings, and clamping diagrams.

Aircraft Wiring Manual (AWM)

Provides a physical view of systems and subsystems. It reflects the definition of the wiring installation.

Aircraft Schematic Manual (ASM) / System Schematic Manual (SSM)

Provides schematic diagrams and functional views of electrical, electronic, and hydraulic systems and other subsystems on the aircraft.

Structural Repair Manual (SRM)

It contains general data and special instructions for the repair of airplane structures and structural components.

Structural Repair Manual (SRM)

Provides information regarding the aircraft skin and other specific tolerances and procedures in the event of minor structural damage.

Structural Repair Manual (SRM)

Contains simple repairs which are approved by the FAA and to be completed by the operator.

Maintenance Planning Document (MPD)

A manufacturer's document that provides maintenance tasks and associated planning information for a particular aircraft type/configuration.

Maintenance Planning Document (MPD)

A manufacturer's scheduled maintenance roadmap.

Maintenance Planning Document (MPD)

Contains all the MRB requirements plus mandatory scheduled maintenance requirements/tasks for every aircraft configuration.

Maintenance Planning Document (MPD)

List of maintenance and servicing tasks to be performed on the aircraft.

Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)

Produced by manufacturers and describes in comprehensive detail every component of the aircraft, along with illustrations and their part numbers.

Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)

Contains lists and location diagrams of all parts with their part numbers used in the aircraft.

Service Bulletins (SB)

Is the document used by manufacturers of aircraft, engines or their components to communicate details of modifications, maintenance, or product improvement which can be embodied in aircraft.

Service Bulletins (SB)

Includes instructions for modifications, substitution of parts, special inspections/checks applicable on in-service aircraft.

Service Bulletins (SB)

Document detailing manufacturer modifications whose compliance may or may not be mandatory.

Service Letters (SL)

Usually provides information to improve maintenance actions without equipment modification.

Maintenance Tips (MT)

A suggestion to maintenance personnel to assist in their work or improve conditions.

Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)

Provided by the manufacturer and approved by the authorities specifically to list inoperative operational equipment and instruments permitted for flight.

Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)

Identifies instruments, systems, or equipment which may be inoperative at the commencement of a flight.

Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)

May be associated with special operating conditions, limitations, or procedures.

Configuration Deviation List (CDL)

Provided by the manufacturer and approved by the authorities specifically to list missing non-structural external aircraft parts permitted for flight.

Configuration Deviation List (CDL)

A listing of regulator-approved non-structural external parts that may be missing but the airplane remains airworthy.

Dispatch Deviation Guide (DDG)

Guide document intended to secure the aircraft and systems against inadvertent operation when some MMEL items are inoperative.

Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR)

Based on the MSG-3 philosophy and used to develop the scheduled maintenance program for a given aircraft systems, structures, and engines.

Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR)

Outlines the initial minimum scheduled maintenance/inspection requirements to be used in the development of an approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program.

Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR)

Used as the source document for the MPD.

MSG-3

An analytical process and decision-tree philosophy used to develop the scheduled maintenance program for given aircraft systems, structures, and engines.

Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR)

This is a required periodic task established during the design certification of the airplane as an operating limitation of the Type Certificate (TC).

Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR)

Intended to detect safety significant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition.

Type Certificate (TC)

Design certification of the airplane under which operating limitations and required periodic tasks are established.

Airworthiness Limitations (AL)

Regulatory approved documents introducing mandatory inspections or maintenance practices to prevent problems with certain systems.

Airworthiness Limitations (AL)

Mandatory replacement times, inspection intervals and related inspection procedures for structural safe-life parts are included in this document and are required by the regulatory authorities as part of the instructions for Continued Airworthiness.

Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP)

Also referred as Approved Maintenance Program.

Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP)

Operator's specific document containing the maintenance requirements/tasks and associated intervals that need to be carried out on an aircraft to ensure its continuing airworthiness.

Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP)

Its source document is the MPD which provides the maintenance planning information.

Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP)

Must be approved by the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the operator.

Operations Specifications (Ops Specs)

Written by the operator in accordance with strict design authority requirements.

Operations Specifications (Ops Specs)

Details the airline's operations programs, along with maintenance and inspection authorizations.

Technical Policies and Procedures Manual (TPPM)

Primary document for airline's Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) operations.