Aeroplane Systems and Failures

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the On-Board Maintenance System (OMS)?

To control aircraft systems during flight

To monitor aircraft performance during flight

To assist maintenance personnel in fault-finding of complex avionics systems (correct)

To provide real-time weather updates to pilots

What benefit does the On-Board Maintenance System (OMS) provide in terms of maintenance processes?

Increases the efficiency of maintenance processes (correct)

Has no impact on maintenance processes

Decreases the efficiency of maintenance processes

Only supports line maintenance

What is the function of the Central Maintenance System (CMS) in the On-Board Maintenance System (OMS)?

To control aircraft navigation systems

To enable the mechanic to extract maintenance data and initialise tests on aircraft systems (correct)

To monitor engine performance during flight

To provide real-time aircraft performance data

What are the main components of the Central Maintenance System (CMS)?

Central Maintenance Computers (CMC) and Multipurpose Control and Display Units (MCDU) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of using the On-Board Maintenance System (OMS)?

Minimised ground time, increased efficiency of maintenance processes, and improved cost effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions supported by the On-Board Maintenance System (OMS)?

Aircraft reconfiguration Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a Class 2 failure?

Loss of the continuity of one wing’s leak detection loop Signup and view all the answers

Where are the systems affected by Class 2 failures identified?

On the ECAM STATUS page Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Type 1 system computers?

Connected to both CMCs by an ARINC 429 output bus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a discrete input on Type 2 systems?

To initialise the system test Signup and view all the answers

How many flights can Type 1 system computers memorise failures for?

The last 64 flights Signup and view all the answers

What is the output connection of Type 2 systems?

ARINC 429 bus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of electronic devices used on flight decks?

To allow flight crew members to perform a variety of tasks Signup and view all the answers

Where are electronic display units usually installed on flight decks?

On side panels of the cockpit Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Class 1 EFB systems?

They are portable and not attached to a mounting device Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for using Class 2 EFB systems in an aircraft?

Airworthiness approval is required Signup and view all the answers

What document contains descriptions of EFB classes of hardware?

AC 120-76A and JAA Leaflet No. 36 Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for Class 1 EFB systems?

Portable Electronic Devices Signup and view all the answers

What does the CMC do at each leg opening transition?

It updates the 64 last legs filed in the previous flight report Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the CMC in a commercial aircraft?

To control the aircraft's systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)?

To send maintenance information from the aircraft to the destination station in advance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a data loader in an aircraft?

To load and update software in the aircraft's computer systems Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the CMC 1 experiences a BITE fault?

The CMC 2 becomes active Signup and view all the answers

How can the CMC be switched in a commercial aircraft?

Through MCDU selection or a BITE fault Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of integrating the CMC with ACARS and other communication systems?

To allow maintenance personnel to begin troubleshooting before the aircraft arrives Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the two CMCs in a large modern commercial aircraft?

To provide redundancy in the system Signup and view all the answers

What type of data can be downloaded from the aircraft using a data loader?

Data recorded by on-board computers during aircraft operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical connection point for a data loader?

The data bus coupler or the Flight Management System (FMS) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the off legend illuminates on the pushbutton switch?

The CMC 2 becomes active Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a data loader?

It can be either portable or integrated into the avionics system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

On-Board Maintenance System (OMS) Overview

OMS aids maintenance personnel in diagnosing complex avionics systems through integrated techniques.
Supports various activities: aircraft maintenance (scheduled and unscheduled), engineering follow-up, and aircraft reconfiguration.
Goals include minimizing ground time, enhancing maintenance efficiency, and improving cost-effectiveness.

Components of OMS

Central Maintenance System (CMS): Extracts maintenance data and initiates tests across aircraft systems.
Data Loading System: Allows the loading and updating of software in avionics systems.
Electronic Library System: Provides access to necessary technical documentation.
Report Printing System: Facilitates the generation of maintenance reports.

Central Maintenance System (CMS)

Consists of Central Maintenance Computers (CMC 1 and CMC 2) and Multipurpose Control and Display Units (MCDUs).
CMCs record flight data, including leg transitions (dates, flight numbers, airport pairs).
Features switching control for redundancy: CMC 1 acts as master under normal operations, with CMC 2 taking over if necessary.
Anomalies trigger alerts communicated through MCDUs and can report to maintenance bases via ACARS or ATSU.

Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)

CMC integrates with ACARS and other communication systems to relay maintenance information before arrival at the destination, allowing proactive troubleshooting.

Data Loading System

Essential for software updates, typically linked with Flight Management Systems (FMS) or data bus couplers.
Can be portable or integrated, allowing loading of updates or downloading operational data.

Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Classes

Class 1 EFB: Portable systems that are not mounted; do not require administrative control prior to use.
Class 2 EFB: Mounted systems requiring airworthiness approval; can connect with avionics equipment.
Class 3 EFB: Designed for ground use only, with limited operational or safety implications.

System Computers Types

Type 1: Connected to CMCs via ARINC 429 bus; stores failures from the last 64 flights for in-depth troubleshooting.
Type 2: Tracks failures from the last flight only; simpler initialization for testing through discrete input.

Failure Classifications

Class 2 Failures: Non-operational for current flight with specific systems shown on ECAM status.
Class 3 Failures: Have no operational or safety implications; accessible solely from ground systems.

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Description

Test your knowledge of aeroplane systems and failures, including Class 2 and Class 3 failures, and their operational consequences. Learn about the ECAM STATUS page and hydraulic pump failures. Prepare for your CASA Part 66 exam!