01 Explain the types of checks carried out on A/C
In aviation, various types of checks are carried out on an aircraft (A/c) to ensure
its airworthiness, safety, and operational efficiency. These checks are part of a
preventive maintenance program and are typically classified into the following
main types: 1.A Check
Frequency: Approximately every 400–600 flight hours or every 200–300 cycles
(depending on the aircraft type and airline policy).
Duration: 6 to 24 hours.
Location: Usually done at the airport gate or in a hangar overnight.
Scope:
➢General visual inspections (e.g., fuselage, wings, landing gear).
➢Operational checks on systems like hydraulics, avionics, and
engines. ➢Oil and fluid levels are checked and replenished.
➢Minor servicing and component replacement (e.g., filters).
2.B Check (Less common now, often incorporated into A or C
checks) Frequency: Around every 6–8 months.
Duration: 1 to 3 days.
Scope:
More in-depth than an A
Check.
Includes checks on avionics, emergency equipment, and flight
controls. Calibration and more detailed system checks.
3.C Check
Frequency: Every 20–24 months or after a specific number of flight hours (e.g.,
4,000–6,000).
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks.
Location: Performed at a maintenance base or MRO facility.
Scope:
Extensive inspection of the majority of the aircraft’s systems and
components. Removal and overhaul of various parts.
Structural inspection for corrosion, cracks, etc.
Mandatory service bulletins and airworthiness directives compliance.
4.D Check (Heavy Maintenance Visit or
HMV) Frequency: Every 6–10 years.
Duration: 1 to 2 months.
Location: Major maintenance base.
Scope:
Complete disassembly of the
aircraft.
Detailed inspection, overhaul, and refurbishment of structural and system
components. Aircraft is often stripped down to the frame and rebuilt.
Very costly and labor-intensive.
5.Daily/Transit Checks
Frequency: Before or after each flight or every 24
hours.
Scope:
Quick visual inspections of the exterior and
interior.
Functional checks of lights, brakes, tires, etc.
Verification of fluid levels and obvious signs of wear or damage.
6.Unscheduled Checks
Triggered by: Technical issues, system alerts, or abnormal flight
occurrences.
Scope:
Varies depending on the
issue.
May involve troubleshooting, minor repair, or temporary fixes until further checks.
Each of these checks is vital in ensuring that an aircraft is safe for operation and
complies with regulatory requirements set by aviation authorities like the FAA,
EASA, or DGCA.
02 Explain it brief the internal and external audits in
airlines
Internal Audits
Conducted by: The airline’s own Quality Assurance or Safety Audit
team.
Purpose: To ensure compliance with internal procedures, safety standards, and
regulatory requirements.
Scope:
Review of operational departments (flight operations, maintenance, ground
handling, etc.). Evaluation of training records, documentation, and standard
operating procedures (SOPs).
Identification of risks and areas for improvement
Frequency: Regular intervals as per airline’s audit schedule.
External Audits
Conducted by: Regulatory authorities (e.g., DGCA, FAA, EASA), aviation
safety organizations (e.g., IATA), or third-party auditors.
Purpose: To verify compliance with national and international aviation
regulations and standards.
Scope:
Inspection of aircraft, maintenance records, operational control
systems.
Assessment of safety management systems, security practices, and crew
qualifications.
Examples:
IOSA (IATA Operational Safety
Audit).
Regulatory Surveillance Audits.
03 Role and types of
MSG
Role of MSG:
MSG (Maintenance Steering Group) is a methodology developed to create efficient
and systematic maintenance programs for aircraft. It helps determine what
maintenance tasks are required, when they should be performed, and how
frequently, ensuring safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Objective: To develop a preventive maintenance program based on real-world
operating conditions and system reliability.
Use: Adopted by manufacturers and airlines to define MRBR (Maintenance Review
Board Report) and form the basis for airline maintenance schedules.
Types of MSG:
1.MSG-1 (1968)
Used For: Boeing
747.
Approach: Top-down.
Focus: Maintenance tasks were selected based on aircraft zones and
components. Limitations: Too generic and not system-focused.
2.MSG-2 (1970)
Used For: Early wide-body aircraft.
Approach: Task-oriented.
Focus: Classified maintenance into hard time (HT), on-condition (OC), and
condition monitoring (CM).
Improvement: Introduced the idea of component-level maintenance
based on performance.
3.MSG-3 (1980 – Present)
Used For: Modern aircraft (e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus
A320). Approach: System-based and logic-driven.
Focus:
Identifies failure effects (safety, operational,
economic).
Emphasizes reliability and risk assessment.
Maintenance tasks are preventive, predictive, or condition-based.
Benefits:
Reduces unnecessary
maintenance.
Improves aircraft availability and cost-efficiency.
04 Role of PPC
PPC stands for Pre-Flight Planning and Calculation, a critical function in airline
operations to ensure safe, efficient, and economical flight execution.
Key Roles of PPC:
1.Flight Route Planning
Determines the most efficient and safe route based on airspace structure,
weather, air traffic, and geopolitical restrictions.
Chooses optimal altitudes, waypoints, and airways.
2.Fuel Calculation
Calculates total fuel requirements, including:
Trip fuel
Alternate fuel
Contingency fuel
Holding and taxi fuel
Ensures fuel sufficiency for the entire flight including
emergencies.
3.Weight and Balance
Ensures aircraft loading is within safe weight and balance
limits.
Calculates takeoff and landing performance based on aircraft weight, runway
length, weather, and elevation.
4.Weather Assessment
Analyzes METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs for departure, en-route, and destination
weather. Identifies potential hazards like turbulence, thunderstorms, or icing.
5.Regulatory Compliance
Ensures the flight complies with all aviation authority regulations, airline
policies, and international standards.
6.Cost Optimization
Aims to minimize fuel cost, air navigation charges, and total trip time by
optimizing route and altitude selection.
Role of MCC
The Maintenance Control Center (MCC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the real-
time airworthiness and operational availability of an airline’s fleet.
Key Roles of MCC:
1.Real-Time Maintenance Coordination
Monitors aircraft systems and maintenance status
24/7.
Coordinates immediate actions in case of technical issues or system alerts.
2.Defect Management
Assesses reported defects and determines if they can be deferred under MEL
(Minimum Equipment List) or require immediate repair.
Provides technical support to line maintenance teams.
3.Flight Dispatch Support
Works closely with Operations Control Center (OCC) and flight crews to resolve
technical problems and avoid flight delays or cancellations.
4.Troubleshooting Guidance
Offers remote support and troubleshooting procedures to maintenance
personnel at various stations.
Helps in decision-making for component replacement or corrective action.
5.AOG (Aircraft on Ground) Recovery
Manages and expedites recovery processes during AOG situations, including
logistics, spares, and manpower.
6.Maintenance Planning Interface
Communicates with the maintenance planning team to adjust scheduled
maintenance based on aircraft availability and operational demands.