Tunnel Vision in Troubleshooting

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of wire locking in connectors with no positive locking device?

To prevent vibration or inadvertent disconnection (correct)

To ensure the connector is tightened to the correct torque specification

To provide additional torque to the connector

To reduce the risk of overheating in the connector

What type of wire is used for safety wiring in connectors?

Aluminum

Copper (correct)

Stainless Steel

Titanium

What is the purpose of the ratchet and sprung pawl in some threaded connectors?

To reduce the risk of overheating in the connector

To ensure the connector is tightened to the correct torque specification

To prevent vibration or inadvertent disconnection

To provide a positive locking device (correct)

Why is copper wire preferred over other materials for safety wiring?

It can be easily broken in an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of safety wiring in military aircraft?

To secure guarded switches in the cockpit Signup and view all the answers

Where can more information on ESD safety precautions be found?

In Module 5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a sophisticated BITE system?

To record performance information over a number of flight legs and diagnose failures Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a flow chart in maintenance?

It is a type of decision tree that directs the maintenance technician along a logical testing and diagnosis path Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem that afflicts avionics components disproportionately?

No Fault Found (NFF) units Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of unexpected maintenance in avionics?

It is more expensive than scheduled repairs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between avionics components and other aircraft systems?

Avionics components just break down, often unexpectedly, but do not wear out regularly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a sophisticated BITE system?

It provides a cost-effective way to diagnose and repair avionics systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why people struggle to change their mindset when approaching a new problem?

The tendency to rely on previous experiences and solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where people focus on a single solution and disregard conflicting information?

Tunnel vision Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the half-split test in troubleshooting?

To eliminate half of the possible failed components Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with test-induced failures?

Undetected failures that can lead to safety risks Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a test-induced failure?

A pin being bent while reconnecting a connector Signup and view all the answers

What should be balanced against the likelihood of a test-induced failure?

The need for testing Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of remaking a connection between a pin and a socket when an LRU is removed and refitted?

It offers the possibility of repairing a fault without replacing the LRU Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when a technician decides to disconnect a connector during fault finding?

Performing a functional test for all systems affected by the disconnection Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using a spare part from a duplicate system to confirm a faulty component?

It may require software changes before it can work in the new position Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to understanding how equipment works and how to troubleshoot it?

Having a problem/solution mindset Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk of moving a faulty LRU from one system to another?

It may cause damage to the originally serviceable second system Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to test every system that has a wire in the connector?

To identify induced faults Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a test-induced failure?

The component is left in a failed state and will not work the next time it is needed Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with the paperwork after a faulty part is identified and replaced?

It must be brought up to date Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of having a reservoir of detailed knowledge about each system?

It enables effective troubleshooting Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step after replacing a faulty part in a system?

The system must be fitted and tested Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having a problem/solution mindset in troubleshooting?

It helps in keeping focus during troubleshooting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of troubleshooting?

To identify the root cause of the fault Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bayonet Connectors

Bayonet connectors must be pushed in before turning to undo them.
Some threaded connectors have a ratchet and sprung pawl to counter vibration.
Connectors without a positive locking device must be wire locked in a similar manner to a bolt.

Wire Locking

Care must be taken with terminology, as some American texts refer to stainless steel wire locking as "safety wiring".
In our context, "safety wire" refers to copper lock wire, available in sizes from 15-32 thousandths of an inch (thou).
Copper safety wire is used for connectors without a positive locking device that must be undone in an emergency.
The reason for copper is that it stops vibration or crew inadvertent disconnection, but can be broken in an emergency to disconnect the connector without tools.

Electrostatic Sensitive Devices (ESD) Precautions

ESD safety precautions are covered in Module 5.
A general guide to the safe handling of ESD includes precautions to avoid damage.

Built-In Test Equipment (BITE)

BITE describes a range of equipment, from simple to complex systems.
Simple BITE allows a technician or flight crew member to perform a "go/no-go" self-test on a specific module.
More sophisticated BITE systems allow a technician to perform tests with built-in switches and indicators on a module.
The most sophisticated BITE systems record performance information over a number of flight legs, diagnose failures, and display specific instructions to engineers on how to repair the system.

Troubleshooting Flow Charts

A troubleshooting flow chart is a printed or computerized chart that directs the maintenance technician along a logical testing and diagnosis path for a particular system.
The flow chart branches to another test or conclusion based on the test results.
A flow chart can be characterized as a series of "if-then" statements.

No Fault Found (NFF)

Repairing or replacing avionics components is not the biggest cost in maintenance.
Avionics do not wear out regularly, but break down unexpectedly.
Unexpected maintenance is more expensive than scheduled repairs.
NFF is a maintenance problem where a fault is not found, leading to frustration and increased costs.

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel vision is a mindset where a technician sees a situation as though through a tunnel, focusing on one direction and ignoring conflicting information.
In the maintenance domain, tunnel vision is a well-known occupational hazard.

Half-Split Test

Theoretically, the most efficient test is the one that provides the most information.
A half-split test is a test that eliminates roughly half the items from a set of possibly failed components.

Test-Induced Failure

When testing a system or component, there is a probability that the test will cause a failure.
Test-induced failures are safety risks only when they remain undetected.
Examples of test-induced failures include bending a pin when reconnecting a connector, or causing a voltage spike when testing a subsystem.

Half-Split Mindset

The best model for troubleshooting is to see the system as a set of problems to be solved.
The problem/solution mindset is critical in understanding how equipment works and how to troubleshoot it.
Understanding the function being solved, how errors affect other parts, and the implementation of each solution helps in troubleshooting.

Confirming a Faulty Component

Another method of confirming a faulty component is by using a spare already on the aircraft.
The spare part can be moved into the faulty system and tested to confirm the system is now serviceable.
The replacement part can then be acquired from stores, fitted, and tested.
This method is suitable for non-computerized parts, but computerized parts may require software changes before they can work in the new position.

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Description

Learn about the phenomenon where people tend to apply previous solutions to new problems, even when told it's a different type of malfunction. This mindset is known as tunnel vision and can hinder effective troubleshooting.