Panel 2: Boeing, Reliability, andMaintainability
Educator Response
Raymond Thompson (Western Michigan)
Stephen Ley (Kansas State)
Industry QuestionWhere does industrysee the current qualityand flight line readinessof A&Ps coming out ofPart 147 schools?
Educator Response
•Each segment of theindustry has differentneeds.
•We agree that the Part 147minimum curriculum isinadequate for someone toimmediately work oncomplex aircraft.
Industry Comment
“147 is too broadperspective - too broad toadd value for complexaircraft.”
“Ultimately depends ongoals of individual andtype of program selected.“
What is being done aboutthis?
Three major recommendations
•Remove the minimumcurriculum subject elementsfrom rule
•Redistribute time to increaseinstruction in general andairframe
•Increased the curriculumrequirements in electronics,human factors, advancedmaterials, SMS, and more
The Part 147 ARAC submittedrecommendations to the FAA inDecember 2008 with an emphasison fast-tracking rule change.
147 rulemaking prior dropped as aresult of Buffalo and the subsequentissues.
2011 -- a Part 147 Working Groupwas established to develop all non-regulatory recommendations.
2013 – work continued and draftrule language was refined.
2014 – 147 rulemaking was the #1priority for AFS-300.
2015 – the Part 147 NPRM isscheduled for release.
Industry Question What knowledge or skillshould be added toexisting curricula tosupport future and existingcomplex aircraft?
Educator Response
•Additional electronic,avionic and digital systemrequirements are beingadded to the 147 minimumcurriculum.
•Systems integration is not aspecific curriculum topic.
Industry Comment
Digital and BITE systems,integrated systems andhow they talk to eachother.
Understanding of systemsand how they integratetogether and communicateis a key success factor.
Industry QuestionWould learningcorporate (jet) aircraftsystems apply to Boeingproducts?
Educator Response
•It is not possible for a Part147 program to prepare agraduate to meet everyindustry need in a reasonableperiod of time.
•Each type of school plays adifferent role (or should) intechnician preparation.
•Each school may focus itsprogram to a specific marketor employer or be moregeneral.
Industry Comment
“Each aircraft is unique andwill require specifictraining. Boeing even hasunique maintenancephilosophies amongst itsmodels. Airbus is moreconsistent. “
“Understanding a complexaircraft system is a good ideaand will help with othercomplex aircraft.”
Part 147 Program Types
•Certificate-only programs: 15-18 months in length, non-degree, often private.
•Two-year programs: includes the 147 curriculum,additional coursework to qualify for an associatedegree. Typically 24-30 months in length.
•Four-year programs: includes the 147 curriculum,additional coursework to qualify for a baccalaureatedegree. Should include an additional focus in atechnical area and/or maintenance managementincluding business management.
What is the Role of Accreditation?
5.2.1 Associate Programs
•…The focus of the program MUST be oriented toward asegment of the aviation industry, such as air carriers orgeneral aviation; or toward a specific area, such as electronics,materials, propulsion, or logistics.
What is the Role of Accreditation?
5.2.2 Baccalaureate Programs
… It is anticipated that many schools will develop a singleaviation maintenance degree program that permits students toselect from a variety of course sequences to provide therequired breadth and depth of knowledge. These focus areasmay be oriented toward a segment of the aviation industry, suchas air carriers or general aviation, or toward a specific area, suchas electronics, materials, propulsion, or logistics.
What is the Role of Accreditation?
5.2.2 Baccalaureate Programs
Each program MUST provide evidence of a significantculminating upper division experience in aviation maintenance.Examples of a culminating experience include a capstone course,an internship, or a special project that builds on prior coursework…
What is the Role of Accreditation?
5.3.2 Baccalaureate Programs
Program Criteria for Aviation Electronics
•…Graduates MUST be able to apply science and technology tocurrent problems in the aviation and the aviation electronicsindustry. The topical content of an Aviation Electronicsprogram will depend on the area of specialization. However,graduates of all specializations MUST demonstrate a basicfoundation in the electronics technologies…
What is the Role of Accreditation?
•Does AABI need to reconsider the specific programoutcomes?
–A four-year should have a greater focus than atwo-year.
–Should the culminating experience have greaterspecificity?
–Avionics seems to assume the basic knowledge isprovided and focuses on the “more”.
–Part 147 is not designed (and never will be) toproduce a complex aircraft ready technician.
Industry QuestionDoes human factors andsafety play any factor tomaintenancephilosophies?
Educator Response
•Human factors has beenadded to the revised 147curriculumrecommendations.
•Reliability andmaintainability conceptshave been added to therevised 147 curriculumrecommendations.
Industry Comment
“Yes. Design engineers have goodideas and designs but lack perspectiveof maintainer, their accessibility andsize of average technician.”
“The goal in today's design is highreliability, quick turn time,maintainability and reduced cost ofops. “
“(The) Chief Mechanic often providesimportant and useful input to overallmaintenance philosophy and aircraftdesign that supports care ease ofmaintenance.”
Certification
•In flight, we have a clear-cut path of training
•In the US, the A&P certificate is the equivalent of acommercial pilot certificate
–Part 66 AMTT certificate
•In the EASA/JAA environment, the focus is more transportaircraft oriented
Future Certification
•Does the US system need additional mechanic ‘ratings’ orendorsements?
•Who should control this? Government or a set of industrygenerated and recognized add-ons?
– ASNT certification
– NCATT certification
Future Certification
•Ultimately, this decision needs driven by industry
•How will the mandate for safety to the FAA conflictwith an general industry desire for less regulation?
What is the Future of Maintenance?
•We see a trend towards specialized maintenance facilities(MRO)
•In a US Part 145, maintenance can be done by non-certificated personnel
•Does mechanic certification become aleadership/management certificate?
•Will the current training programs for non-certificatedpersons become the norm?
Thank Your For Your AttentionQuestions?