GIVING THE MECHANIC A HAND : CUTTING EDGE WIRELESS SYSTEMS BRING ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE DATA TO THE HANGAR FLOOR AND RAMP

System automation of maintenance operations has advanced significantly, but there remain large segments of the market that could benefit from computerized and automated add-ons. Among the areas where more work can be done are database management, resource planning and management solutions, and speeding workflow. One industry member cut initial inspection times by as much as 66% by using wireless work PDAs to collect nonroutine inspection data that is routed to a database tracking system. Another key element is a critical path scheduling process that tracks maintenance tasks in real time and creates priorities for different activities based on what has already been accomplished. Those tools are being used in maintenance hangars. Others are being developed for ramp workers, where the traditional paper trail is being migrated to wireless electronic databases. There are also systems that give mechanics instant access to maintenance manuals, service bulletins, Ads, wiring diagrams, engineering orders and other support documents. Private outside vendors' main competition comes from in-house designed programs. Automation and improved data management can cut labor and parts costs significantly by better scheduling of maintenance work and more efficient timing of repairs.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00022543
• Corporate Authors:

  Penton Media

  1300 E 9th Street
  Cleveland, OH  United States  44114-1503
• Authors:
  • Flint, P
• Publication Date: 2003-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 47-48
• Serial:
  • ATW: Air Transport World
  • Volume: 40
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Penton Media
  • ISSN: 0002-2543

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft; Handheld computers; Information technology; Maintenance; Mechanics; Wireless communication systems
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Data and Information Technology; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00941561
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: May 1 2003 12:00AM