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I am trying to learn more about the process of replacing defective parts on planes. Who decides when it is time to replace the small parts on a plane? For example, ignition systems and components, specialized valves, lavratory hardware, latching and locking devices... Do they get replaced only when they break, or are they inspected and replaced when they begin wearing down?
Also, are there a lot of companies that manufacture these parts or do you just get them from the original manufacturer when they wear out? Do they have to be ordered or do you keep an inventory of all the parts just in case one breaks?
Thanks for the help!! :-)
Posted:
Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:34 pm
planedoctor Site Admin
Joined: Oct 08, 2002 Posts: 306
Hi,
Quote:
Who decides when it is time to replace the small parts on a plane?
Mechanics will decide to replace parts if they are worn to limits as specified in the maintenance manual. Most sensitive parts have wear limits specified by the manufacture. In some certain situations engineers can get approval from the manufacture for the part to remain in service even after the part has worn to the limits specified in the maintenance manual.
Quote:
Do they get replaced only when they break, or are they inspected and replaced when they begin wearing down?
All safety of flight components have limits. The limits can be measured in total time on the aircraft or wear limits. Aircraft have defined frequencies at which they are inspected and their parts are then required to meet these limits. Some highly sensitive parts are replace only by time and could be found serviceable, but because the manufacture says they need to be replaced every "x" hours they will be replace.
Quote:
Also, are there a lot of companies that manufacture these parts or do you just get them from the original manufacturer when they wear out?
There are a lot of company's that manufacture aircraft parts. They are in countries all over the world. The thing that matters is that ALL of them have to meet the aircraft manufactures specifications and must be FAA-PMA approved for U.S. built aircraft. FAA-PMA stands for Federal Aviation Administration Parts Manufacturing Approval. The FAA has to approve all the design, manufacturing and testing of a part.
Quote:
Do they have to be ordered or do you keep an inventory of all the parts just in case one breaks?
The amount of inventory is dependant on the company.
Hope this answered your questions. _________________
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