Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES

CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

MODULE 11

SUB MODULE 11.18

ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS (ATA 45)

Rev. 00 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only
 Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

Table of Contents Page

General:........................................................................................ 2
BITE:............................................................................................. 2
Test:.............................................................................................. 4
Power Up Test .............................................................................. 4
Cyclic tests ................................................................................... 4
System test ................................................................................... 4
Specific test .................................................................................. 4

Rev. 00 i 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only
 Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

“The training notes and diagrams are

compiled by SriLankan Technical Training
and although comprehensive in detail, they
are intended for use only with a Course of
instruction. When compiled, they are as up to
date as possible, and amendments to the
training notes and diagrams will NOT be
issued”.

Rev. 00 1 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only
 Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

GENERAL: BITE:
A system is composed of line replaceable units (LRUs) such as During operation the system is permanently monitored, for failures
computers, sensors, probes, actuators etc. within the system (Internal Monitoring), Inputs/outputs monitoring, and
monitoring of links between LRUs of the system.
With the introduction of new technology these line replaceable units are
controlled by digital computers, and for safety reasons, they are Monitoring consists of the following:
monitored through out their operation, these LRUs can be tested and
• Fault detection:
trouble shooting can be performed on them via the computers.
o A failure could be permanent or intermittent
Each system, depending on its complexity, would have a part of its
computer dedicated for this function, and it’s called Built In Test • Isolation:
Equipment (BITE). On a multi computer system, one computer is
o After detection the BITE is able to identify the
allocated the function of being the BITE concentrator of the system. The
possible failed LRU
BITE concentrator would collect all the BITE data of the system.
o Give a picture (snapshot) of the system
environment at the time of failure
• Memorization:
o All the information considered necessary for
maintenance and troubleshooting is recorded in a
non-volatile memory

Rev. 00 2 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only
 Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

Rev. 00 3 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only

CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL
TEST:
Test function can be divided into four groups:
POWER UP TEST
The system BITE would execute a power up test only on ground after a
long power interruption. (Typical values would be about 200ms)
The power up test, in its very basic sense, is a safety test. Its duration
is a function of the complexity of the system. The student should also
keep in mind that during this period the system is not operational.
If the aircraft is airborne, the power up test is limited to a few items to
enable a quick return to operation.
Typical tasks of a power up test would be:
• Test of the microprocessor
• Test of the memories
• Test of digital data buses and Input/Output circuits
• Configuration tests
CYCLIC TESTS
These tests are carried out permanently and do not disturb the normal
operation of the system, and also called ‘IN OPERATION TEST’ or a
Rev. 00
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only
Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS
‘WATCHDOG TEST’. Permanent monitoring is performed by the
operational software.
Typical tasks would be:
• Restarting the microprocessor
• RAM test
SYSTEM TEST
This test allows the maintenance staff to test the system for
troubleshooting purposes.
This test can be performed after the replacement of a LRU to check the
integrity of the system or sub-system.
The system test is very much similar to the POWER UP TEST, but still
it’s more complete, as it is performed with all peripherals supplied.
SPECIFIC TEST
This type of test is available only for some systems. The purpose is to
generate stimuli to various command devices such as actuators or
valves.
The maintenance personnel must be careful when carrying out specific
tests as they can have a major effect on the aircraft (eg: moving of flight
controls, operation of the thrust reverser etc.)
4 11.18
 Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

Rev. 00 5 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only
 Module 11 – AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS AND STRUCTURES
CATEGORY B1 - MECHANICAL Sub Module 11.18 – ON BOARD MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

Finally the BITE information stored in the non volatile memories is sent
to the centralized maintenance device.
The central maintenance device will then be able to generate reports
regarding the failures that occurred during a particular flight (eg. POST
FLIGHT REPORT).
The central maintenance device will also have quite a large memory
where it will memorise failures which occurred during previous flights.
This information will enable the maintenance personnel to analyse
whether a failure that occurred on this flight had occurred in a previous
flight or whether it’s the first occurrence etc.

Rev. 00 6 11.18
Oct 2006 For Training Purposes Only