An Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) may do repairs, inspections, modifications, or a complete overhaul of an aircraft or an aircraft component. Aviation maintenance technicians make sure that aeroplanes are airworthy, safe, and functional while in flight. There are numerous tasks on both sides of this. Fixed-wing aeroplanes and rotorcraft. Aviation Maintenance Technicians are individuals who are critical to maintaining an aircraft’s effectiveness and safety. They maintain, overhaul, test, and service aeroplanes and their systems. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that all AMTs hold the Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic rating. You can receive your FAA A&P mechanic rating while pursuing a career as an aviation maintenance technician. With this rating, you are qualified to work on the airframe, which consists of the wings, fuselage, tail assembly, and landing gear. You can work on the propeller, piston, and turbine kinds of power plant. Additionally, you can work on the aircraft’s systems, including the electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic ones. Some of the crucial duties carried out by AMTs include:
- Examine, test, and fix primary and secondary structures made of fibreglass, plastics, honeycomb, composite, and laminated materials.
- Create composite and sheet metal structures and parts for aeroplanes.
- Assess the systems and parts of reciprocating and turbine engines.
- Maintaining, repairing, and overhauling turbine and reciprocating engine parts.
- Determine and evaluate the best corrosion removal method and aircraft cleaning supplies.
It is influenced by technology, as is everything in today’s world. Even though aircraft maintenance is heavily dependent on people and demands a customized touch, a window of opportunity for the spread of disruptive ideas was created by the need for greater efficiency, safety, and affordability.
Technologies that are boosting growth in the aviation technological industry
drones and robotics
High-resolution inspection cameras on robots capture and send video images that SR Technics engineers subsequently evaluate. These photos allow for extensive repair assessment and can be used on the runway and in the hangar. Additional capabilities like ultrasound and thermographic testing make the inspection process even more effective. Rolls-Royce is a fantastic example of a robotics-based company. They may implant their ten mm-diameter SWARM robots, which were created in partnership with Harvard University, in the centre of an engine to visually inspect the difficult-to-reach parts without having to remove the engine from the aeroplane.
Electronic Twining
Real cloning systems can operate concurrently in a digital environment thanks to the advanced analytical tool called “Digital Twinning.” The creation of digital twins aids in increasing production, predicting problems, and improving efficiency. Boeing is developing digital twins to build new aeroplanes, run simulations, and predict performance. Rolls-Royce is creating digital twins of its engine designs to increase sustainability and cut unnecessary maintenance. Stuart Hughes, CIO of Rolls-Royce, stated that 30 sensors were employed and that data was collected roughly five times throughout the flight. Today’s engines are capable of collecting hundreds of data points each second.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger that records transactions across numerous computers and is made up of blocks or records. Moving or changing requires altering connected blocks, which is impossible. However, any industry can use Blockchain. Transactions within the engine can be checked by authorized parties and kept as data blocks in aviation maintenance. Through the BC4A program, Lufthansa Industry Solutions is pushing the use of Blockchain in aviation. It is intended to employ technology to securely and openly store data and documentation on aircraft across many suppliers, including manufacturers and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul). Maintenance specialists can use this information to decide whether to replace or repair specific aircraft parts.
Another great example is the recently launched MRO Blockchain Alliance. Industry leaders, from part manufacturers to smart contracts, got together to investigate how Blockchain can be used to track, trace and record aircraft parts. PwC estimates show that it could save the industry US $3.5bn. That’s a huge breakthrough!
About Author
