aircraft systems maintenance

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Aircraft Systems Maintenance: Overview & Best Practices

Aircraft systems maintenance ensures the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all onboard systems. It involves inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive measures to comply with aviation regulations (FAA, EASA, ICAO).

1. Powerplant Maintenance (Engines & Propulsion)

Regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and spark plug inspections (for piston engines).
Turbine engine borescope inspections to check for wear, cracks, or foreign object damage (FOD).
FADEC system diagnostics to optimize engine performance.
Thrust reverser checks and exhaust system inspections.

2. Fuel System Maintenance

Checking for fuel contamination (water, debris, microbial growth).
Inspecting fuel pumps, lines, and selectors for leaks and blockages.
Ensuring fuel gauges and quantity indicators function accurately.

3. Electrical System Maintenance

Battery charge and electrolyte level checks.
Testing and inspecting alternators, generators, and circuit breakers.
Ensuring proper operation of external and internal lighting systems.

4. Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems Maintenance

Checking hydraulic fluid levels and pressures.
Inspecting hoses, pumps, and actuators for leaks and damage.
Testing braking and landing gear extension/retraction systems.
Ensuring pneumatic systems (pressurization, de-icing) are functioning properly.

5. Flight Control System Maintenance

Checking control cables, pulleys, and hydraulic actuators for wear.
Testing autopilot and fly-by-wire system diagnostics.
Lubricating flaps, slats, and rudder components for smooth operation.

6. Avionics System Maintenance

Running self-tests on GPS, VOR, ILS, and ADS-B transponders.
Verifying radio communication clarity and range.
Inspecting weather radar and terrain avoidance systems.

7. Landing Gear System Maintenance

Checking tire pressure, tread wear, and alignment.
Inspecting brake pads, discs, and anti-skid systems.
Lubricating retractable gear components and testing gear operation.

8. Environmental & Pressurization System Maintenance

Testing cabin pressurization and oxygen supply systems.
Inspecting air conditioning and heating systems for leaks.
Checking windshield and wing anti-icing/de-icing systems.

9. Emergency & Safety Systems Maintenance

Verifying the function of fire detection and suppression systems.
Inspecting emergency exits, slides, and oxygen masks.
Ensuring the ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) is operational.

Types of Aircraft Maintenance

Pre-flight & Post-flight Inspections: Conducted by pilots and ground crews before and after each flight.
Line Maintenance: Minor repairs and system checks done between flights.
Scheduled Maintenance (A, B, C, D Checks): In-depth inspections based on flight hours and cycles.
Unscheduled Maintenance: Repairs due to system failures or malfunctions.

Would you like a maintenance checklist for a specific aircraft system?

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