A
Accident, Aircraft
An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and until such time as all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.
Aircraft
A device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air.
Aircraft Engine
An engine that is used or intended to be used for propelling aircraft. It includes turbo-superchargers, appurtenances, and accessories necessary for its functioning, but does not include propellers.
Airframe
The fuselage, booms, nacelles, cowlings, fairings, airfoil surfaces (including rotors but excluding propellers and rotating airfoils of engines), and landing gear of an aircraft and their accessories and controls.
Aircraft Maintenance
That work which is required to be performed by certificated persons.
Aircraft Maintenance Base
An agency activity performing aircraft and avionics line maintenance functions on FAA aircraft.
AOCP
Aircraft Out Of Commission For Parts (AOCP) is the status of an aircraft which should be available for service but is not, because of the lack of a part or parts.
Airplane
An engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air, that is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings.
Airworthy
The aircraft must conform to its type design (certificate) and the aircraft must be in condition for safe operation.
Approved
Unless used with reference to another person, means approved by the Administrator.
Approved Data
Data that is used to substantiate major repairs and major alterations, derived from the following: Supplemental Type Certificate, Airworthiness Directives, FAA approved manufacturer's maintenance manuals and instructions, FAA Form 337 to be used as a basis for a previous field approval, AC 43-13 under certain circumstances. Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA) parts manufacturing approval (PMA), Designated Engineering Representative (DER) approved data, Designated Alternation Station (DAS) approved data, and SFAR 36, Engineering authorization approved data.
Appliance
Any instrument, mechanism, equipment, part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory, including communications equipment, that is used or intended to be used in operating or controlling an aircraft in flight, is installed in or attached to the aircraft and is not part of an airframe, engine or propeller.
Avionics Maintenance
Avionics Maintenance That work which is required to be performed by an avionics shop.
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B
Bench Calibration
The Calibration Of Equipment Which Is Performed In An Faa Avionics The calibration of equipment which is performed in an FAA avionics shop.
Bench Check
The removal of an item of equipment from an aircraft or from stock for (1) a visual check, (2) preventive maintenance, (3) minor repair, and (4) an operational check.
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C
Calibration
Making precise measurements and adjustments to equipment or systems in order to obtain optimum performance and to certify that output data falls within prescribed tolerances.
Component
Any self-contained part, combination of parts, subassemblies or units, which perform a distinctive function necessary to the operation of the airframe, powerplant, or propeller.
Condition Monitoring (Cm)
Is a maintenance process for items that have neither "hard time" nor "on condition" as their primary maintenance process. Condition monitoring is accomplished by appropriate means available to AVN for finding and resolving problem areas. These means range from notices of unusual problems to special analysis of unit performance.
CAMP
Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) is a combined program of maintenance and inspection that functions used to fulfill the total maintenance needs. The program provides a maintenance program adequate to perform the work and an inspection program adequate to perform required inspections. These two organizations are separate.
Contract/Agreement Maintenance
Refers to those functions of a contracting officer's representative or other designated maintenance representative in arranging for and administering contracts or agreements for providing aircraft maintenance services to the agency.
Control Limits Or Alert Values
Maximum limits/values which when exceeded requires analysis for possible maintenance action.
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D
Dispatch For Mel Oerations
Dispatch occurs when the flight crew releases the brakes to taxi for the purpose of flight.
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E
Engine Time Changes
Those engines which reach maximum operating time between overhaul including engines replaced within 100 hours of maximum permitted operating time to allow replacement during scheduled inspection periods.
Engine Failure
Engine Failure Any engine requiring unscheduled replacement due to unairworthy condition which cannot be corrected by routine maintenance on the aircraft.
Exchange And Repair (E & R)
A reparable item which, when unserviceable, is returned to the FAA Depot in exchange for a serviceable replacement.
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F
Faa Aircraft
For maintenance purposes, includes all FAA-owned, lease-purchase, exclusive-use-lease, bailment and loan aircraft.
Field Maintenance
The performance of aircraft and avionic line maintenance at locations other than the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Division.
Flight Time
The time from the moment the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight until the moment it comes to rest at the next point of landing.
Flight Inspection Maintenance Division
An agency activity providing line maintenance, major inspection and overhaul services to the FAA aircraft fleet and equipment.
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H
Hard-Time
A primary maintenance process that requires an appliance or part be periodically overhauled in accordance with the Agency's maintenance manual or that it be removed from service.
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I
Incident, Aircraft
An occurrence other than an accident associated with the operation of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operations.
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L
Large Aircraft
Aircraft of more than 12,500 lbs. maximum certificated takeoff weight.
Line Maintenance
Includes routine and non-routine maintenance, bench checks, calibration, and repairs accomplished in support of day-to-day aircraft operations.
Local Repair Items
A reparable item which, when unserviceable, is repaired locally either by arrangements with a commercial vendor or in local base shops.
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M
Maintenance Inspections
Include daily/preflight, segment, safety, service, special, and numbered inspections. These inspections vary in scope and frequency of performance according to types of aircraft.
Maintenance Manager
The person within the specific organizational structure who is directly responsible for the maintenance program. In FIMD, the position equates to Branch Level.
Major Alterations
An alteration not listed in the aircraft, or aircraft engine/propeller specifications that (1) might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operations, flight characteristics or other qualities affecting airworthiness or (2) is not done according to accepted practices or cannot be done by elementary operations.
Major Inspection
The performance of a specific segment of the total overhaul requirement in a series of blocks at prescribed long-term intervals.
Major Modification
A modification that (1) might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics, or other qualities of airworthiness or (2) is not done according to accepted practices or cannot be done by elementary operations.
Major Repair
A repair that (1) if improperly done, might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operations, flight characteristics, or other qualities of airworthiness; or (2) is not done according to accepted practices or cannot be done by elementary operations.
Met/Track
A database system utilized in the management of calibration requirements for precision measuring and test equipment. The management is done through three database files: inventory, calibration, repair and location histories. Each file interacts with the other.
Minimum Equipment List (Mel)
A regulatory authorization to continue to operate an aircraft with inoperable instruments or equipment. The aircraft may be operated under all applicable condition and limitations contained in the minimum equipment list.
Minor Modification
A modification that (1) will not affect the quality of airworthiness, or (2) can be done in accordance with accepted practices or can be done by elementary operations. Normally, a minor modification is a modification other than a major modification.
Minor Repair
A repair that (1) will not affect the quality of airworthiness, or (2) can be done in accordance with accepted practices, or can be done by elementary operations. Normally, a minor repair is a repair other than a major repair.
Modification
A change or series of changes in a completed system to adapt it to another use, correct deficiencies, increase reliability, or improve its effectiveness.
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N
National Airspace System (Nas)
The common network of U.S. airspace; air navigation facilities, equipment and services, airports, or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information and services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical information, manpower, and material. Included are system components shared jointly with the military.
Non-Airworthiness Items
These are items other than inoperative instruments or equipment which do not affect the airworthiness of the aircraft.
Met/Track
A database system utilized in the management of calibration requirements for precision measuring and test equipment. The management is done through three database files: inventory, calibration, repair and location histories. Each file interacts with the other.
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O
On Condition Item (Oc)
A primary maintenance process requiring repetitive inspection or test to determine the condition of units, systems or portions of structure to assure continued serviceability. Corrective action is taken when required by item condition as determined by analysis of inspection and/or test results.
Operational Check
An "in motion" or "power on" test for determining that an item of equipment will operate at a specified performance level.
Overhaul
The disassembly, cleaning, inspection, necessary replacement or repair of parts, reassembly, adjustment, and testing of an item or equipment in accordance with recommended procedures.
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P
Performance Standard
A performance measurement expressed numerically which represents an acceptable level of performance.
Picking Tag
A vendor suppied parts tag issued by the Production Approval Holder for new parts , compentents and materials. Can be used instead of an invoice.
Preventive Maintenance
Simple or minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts not involving complex assembly operations.
Propeller
A device for propelling an aircraft that has blades on an engine-driven shaft and that, when rotated, produces by its action on the air, a thrust approximately perpendicular to its plane of rotation. It includes control components normally supplied by its manufacturer, but does not include main and auxiliary rotors or rotating airfoils of engines.
Public Aircraft
Aircraft used only in the service of a government or a political subdivision. It does not include any government-owned aircraft engaged in carrying persons or property for commercial purposes.
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Q
Quality
Control Designee A certificated person having the required experience, judgment, and training to perform quality control functions usually in the absence of, or as a supplement to, a quality control organization.
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R
Reinstallation
Indicates the removal and reinstallation of the same unit in the same position as removed.
Ramp Calibration
The calibration of an aircraft-installed avionic system.
Reliability Program
A program which has established time limitations or standards for determining time limitations for overhauls, inspections and checks of airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, and emergency equipment.
Repair
The restoration of an item of equipment to a serviceable condition after fault detection.
Repairable
Item An item which, when becoming unserviceable, is usually repaired to reuse. The decision to repair an unserviceable item is based on the economics of discard and replacement versus repair. This includes Exchange and Repair Items, Repair and Return Items, Local Repair Items, and select E & R Equipment
Repair And Return (R&R)
A reparable item which, when becoming unserviceable, is returned to the FAA Depot for repair and subsequent return of the same unit to the using facility.
Replacement
Indicates the removal of unit and the installation of a like serviceable unit.
Required Inspection Items (RII)
Includes those maintenance and alterations which could result in a failure, malfunction, or defect endangering the safe operation of the airplane, if not performed properly or if improper parts or material are used.
Routine Maintenance
Maintenance task involving the periodic servicing, lubrication, and cleaning of aircraft, engines, propellers, rotors, appliances, or other parts at prescribed intervals.
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S
Select E & R Equipment
An avionic reparable item which is specially controlled when unserviceable to ensure that its repair is performed by an avionic shop at an aircraft maintenance base.
Serious Injury
Any injury which: (1) requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within seven (7) days from the date an injury was received; (2) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose); (3) causes severe hemorrhages, or nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; (4) involves any internal organ; or (5) involves second- or third-degree burns, or any burns affecting more than five percent of the body surface.
Small Aircraft
Aircraft of 12,500 lbs. or less maximum certificated take-off weight.
Special Inspections
Include inspections to determine airworthiness following hard landings, flight through turbulent air, lightning strikes, or one prescribed by an airworthiness directive, maintenance alert directive or TIEO.
Repair
The restoration of an item of equipment to a serviceable condition after fault detection.
Repairable
Item An item which, when becoming unserviceable, is usually repaired to reuse. The decision to repair an unserviceable item is based on the economics of discard and replacement versus repair. This includes Exchange and Repair Items, Repair and Return Items, Local Repair Items, and select E & R Equipment.
Substantial Damage
Damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wing tips are not considered substantial damage for the purpose of this manual.
Special MI Designee
A qualified person who is designated to (1) perform specific maintenance and inspection functions, (2) make specific airworthiness determinations, and (3) release specific items of maintenance to service.
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T
Time Change
Item An item of equipment which has an established overhaul time which is related to time in service.
Time Controlled Component
A part or component which has an established service life, at which time certain maintenance must be performed or the item scrapped. The service life may be based on operating hours, cycles, landings, calendar time, or combinations of these.
Time In Service
With respect to maintenance time records, means the time from the moment an aircraft leaves the surface of the earth until it touches down at the next point of landing.
Trouble Shooting
(1) Determining the probable cause of a malfunction through analysis of data flow logic and (2) employing efficient fault isolation procedures and prescribing or taking corrective action.
Turn-Around Maintenance
Refers to an aircraft maintenance base of a higher category providing line maintenance services for an aircraft maintenance base of a lower category.
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V
Visual Check
Checking an item of equipment for cleanliness, need for lubrication, or painting and deterioration of parts or materials.