ACARS
An air/ground communications system used to collect data about
the aircraft’s technical parameters, among others, for
analysis.
Aircraft Maintenance
A generic term that embraces the full spectrum of inspection,
overhaul, repair and modification operations carried out on
aircraft or on aircraft components.
Airframe
Designates the structure of an aircraft, i.e., the fuselage,
wings, tail section and flight controls.
AOG Desk
A dedicated logistics tracking service at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle.
Its job its to supply all aircraft in an AOG (“aircraft
on ground”) situation with components and services in
the shortest possible timeframe, ie, in emergency situations
where aircraft are grounded due to technical failures.
APU (auxiliary power unit)
Often housed in the tail section of the aircraft, the APU
is like a small engine. It is mainly used on the ground to
supply the electrical and pneumatic energy the aircraft needs
to power its vital circuits when its main engines are shut
down on the ground. If necessary, it can also be used in flight.
Associated
Kit
The set of parts needed to carry out an aircraft modification.
ATEC
(automatic test equipment computerized)
An automated test bench for avionics components. ATEC test
benches are equipped with powerful computers running dedicated
algorithms.
Aviation
Authority
The official body formed by a country to oversee airlines
(DGAC in France, FAA in the United States, EASA
in Europe).
Aviation Certification
Authorizations delivered by a country’s aviation authorities.
Certification is mandatory for any company wishing to offer
aircraft maintenance services.
Bay
A location for an aircraft inside a hangar where maintenance
work can be carried out. A hangar may, for example, be said
to comprise six narrow-body bays or three wide-body bays.
BRNAV
(basic radio navigation)
A system used to improve route accuracy for an aircraft’s
lateral navigation.
Cabin
The term designating the area for crew and passengers on an
aircraft. The term covers seating, galleys, rest-rooms and
the IFE. Passenger comfort and pleasure during a flight depends
largely on the quality of cabin fittings.
Close loop
In the component repair context, the repairing entity returns
the part repaired to the customer, ie, the part with the same
part (PN) and serial (SN) numbers.
Components
The elements that comprise the hydraulic, mechanical, electrical
and electronic circuits that are essential to aircraft operation.
Engineering
Any activities designed to apply a maintenance schedule and
to ascertain that the aircraft in a fleet are operating satisfactorily.
Engines
Systems used to power an aircraft. On civilian transport aircraft
in the Air France fleet, these are jet engines.
Flight-hour
package
A component or an engine is lent to a customer, which sends
in its own component or engine for overhaul and/or repair.
Once the repairs have been carried out, the exchange is reversed.
This is a case-by-case service.
Galley
The area where all food is stored and prepared for in-flight
catering. Its main components are foodstuff storage carts,
tableware, ovens and refrigerators.
GPWS
(ground proximity warning system)
An onboard warning system and decision-making aid linked to
the aircraft’s position in relation to the ground.
Groupement
de Surveillance Générale de l'Aviation Civile
(GSAC)
A body empowered by the DGAC French civil aviation authority
to oversee aircraft maintenance companies and bodies.
Heavy
maintenance
Covers the airframe and selected aircraft components.
There are three types of check: the “C” or heavy
check, the IL (intermediate layover) check, and the D-check.
The IL overhaul takes place between the C and D checks.
The D-check is the most detailed, and takes place every six
to ten years, depending on aircraft type.
HFDL
(high frequency data link)
A system used for long-distance microwave communications.
IFE
(In Flight Entertainment)
Electronic systems for passengers. Includes video and audio
equipment and telephone links. The most recent cabin layouts
often include interactive components in their IFEs.
Inertial
Navigation Unit
A computer that tells the aircraft where it is in relation
to the Earth’s surface in three dimensions, with no
external radio or satellite assistance.
Inspections
Technical checks carried out on aircraft, engines or aircraft
components to ascertain their state. They are carried out
according to a specific method and may be repetitive.
NB: a specific method means a visual check, non-destructive
testing of the eddy current or FPI type, endoscopies, gamma-ray
inspection, etc.
Light
maintenance
Concerns the whole of the aircraft. There are three categories
and the check cycles are calculated according to different
modes (A, B or C checks).
- the A check is calculated in flight hours
- the C check is calculated in calendar months (eg, 18 months)
Line
maintenance
There are three types of line maintenance. It is carried out
at stations or at the maintenance base and concerns the entire
aircraft.
- transit check after each flight,
- daily check (D), every 24 hours,
- weekly check (W).
LRU
(Line Replaceable Unit)
A component that can be changed without the need for heavy
industrial tools. Components of this type include aircraft
black boxes or inertial navigation units.
Maintenance
Manual
A manual specific to each aircraft type that describes the
inspection and maintenance operations needed to maintain the
capacity of an aircraft to be operated by an airline.
Maintenance
Schedule
The set of operations defined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer
specifies what should be inspected, how it should be done,
and how often.
Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE)
A written undertaking made by EgyptAir M&E Industries to the
aviation authorities to carry out aircraft maintenance under
their supervision.
Nacelle
The structure that contains the engine and thrust reverser.
On most Airbus and Boeing aircraft models, the nacelle is
slung under the wing.
OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer)
The suppliers of components mounted on aircraft. They manufacture
aircraft parts but do not build the aircraft themselves.
Picking
The act of collecting a part in a warehouse following the
issue of an exit note by the information system.
PMA
(Parts Manufacturer Approved)
Suppliers approved by OEMs to manufacture and sell basic components
such as turbine blades or hydraulic tubing.
PN
(Part Number)
A number defining the identity of a component. Two components
with the same PN are interchangeable.
POOL
The inventory of components used to supply spare parts to
an aircraft fleet. Under a “pool” contract, the
customer can obtain spare parts from the pool, ie, a component
with the same Part Number (PN) but with a different Serial
Number (SN).
RVSM
(reduce vertical separation minimum)
A system used to improve air traffic route safety with respect
to an aircraft’s movements in the vertical plane.
SATCOM
Satellite telecommunications.
Service
Bulletin
A document issued by an OEM for the users of a component recommending
modifications prior to technical enhancements.
Servo-control
A hydraulic actuator used to move a component that requires
the application of considerable power, such as an undercarriage
assembly, flaps or flight controls.
SITA
A ground/ground communication system using a network protocol
SN
(Serial Number)
A number used for an individual component belonging to a family
of Part Numbers (PN). The SN is a unique number and can be
used for individual monitoring of all parts mounted on an
aircraft.
TAT
(Turn Around Time)
The time needed to carry out maintenance on a component, and
engine or a complete aircraft.
TCAS
Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System
Technical Inspections
The examination of an aircraft, a component or an aircraft
circuit to check compliance with a standard established by
an aviation authority.
Thrust Reversers
A system housed in the nacelles that helps to brake the aircraft
during the first landing phase, just after touchdown. It reverses
the thrust of the jet engines, directing the airstream forward
to cause the aircraft to decelerate.
Under-Carriage
Used by an aircraft when taxiing and taking off. The undercarriage
is also used to brake the aircraft on landing. In conjunction
with the tyres, it also acts as a shock absorber and provides
runway adherence.
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