Chapter 15 Material Support

Spends most money Part of M & E – could overspend Part of Finance – poor decisions Affect quality of maintenance Part of M & E Oversight by accounting/finance Material Support functions Provide parts/supplies for all maintenance Maintain adequate supplies items on hand and convenient locations for quick access Provide adequate support within reasonable budget

Material Management Primary function Understand logistics/scope of aviation inventory management Replenishment of stored parts Cost of inventory Forecasting new/in-house available inventory Realistic/physical space of inventory Replenishment of minimum/maximum Repair parts Return/defective parts Bogus parts Know supply network Ongoing process of utilizing aircraft parts

Material Management Inventory based on Fleet size Parts utilization Parts reliability Vendor repair capability/turnaround time Continuous contact with Aircraft manufacturer Parts overhaul vendors Aircraft parts suppliers Vendors of hardware/software

Inventory Control Responsibility Necessary parts/supplies are on hand Available at selected locations Support all maintenance activities Monitor Raw stock material Progress of components repair orders Accurate count of stock onsite Assure availability of airworthy parts Lean inventory control/management

Stores Responsibility Issuing parts Exchanging parts Delivering parts to work centers Handle special storage items Route repairable parts to appropriate shop

Purchasing Responsibilities Procurement of parts/supplies Deal with suppliers/manufacturers Specifications Costs Delivery Primary budget control Work closely with inventory control

Shipping and Receiving Main hub All deliveries for airline operation All packing/unpacking Dangerous goods Flammable Corrosive Temperature-sensitive items

Support Functions Parts ordering Initial provisions with new equipment Reordering Parts storage Readily located/issued when needed Certain parts under specific conditions Fuels Lubricants Paints Oils Flammables

Support functions Parts Storage System adjusted to aircraft model Subdivided in sections Quarantine area Flammable, Hazmat, refrigeration Serviceable, non-serviceable, red-tag parts Parts issue/return area Parts receiving inspection area

Parts Issue Common hardware (bolts, nuts) Open, accessible areas Parts window Close to work center Handling of parts tags/paperwork Repairable parts Update quantity on hand Turnaround kits Flyaway kits

Parts Control Identification of storage location Track certain components Eliminate parts chasing Track time-limited parts Track flight hours, cycles, calendar time To/from Internal organizations Outside repair contractors Warranty holders Cannibalized parts

Parts Handling Receiving parts Inspection Physical condition Distribution to proper place Route exchanged parts to Appropriate shop Vendor Contractor for repairs Warranty repairs

Obsolete Parts No longer required Find buyers for parts No buyer – parts scrapped Parts Receiving (QC) Newly purchased Repair return Loaned parts QC inspects Sings/stamps paperwork

Loaner Parts Agreements with other airlines Borrow loaner parts Bogus Parts Unapproved parts Counterfeit Stolen Production overruns sold unauthorized Fraudulently marked parts Costs millions of dollars

Stores Tool calibration program Calibrated/tested periodically Inspected on return Stock level adjustments Varies from airline to airline Experience Actual maintenance activity Continual surveillance of parts usage

Shelf Life Life limited items “O” Rings Aviation grease Paint Penetrating oil Antiseize products Insulating compounds Aviation sealants Dry-film lubricants Plan for disposal Monthly/semi-monthly inspection

Budgeting Efforts Cost of items stocked Overstock Minimize aircraft downtime Delays/cancellations Understock Quality of maintenance More Delays/cancellations