What systems are used to schedule aircraft into maintenance

[phnuff]

I am not sure if this is the right forum, or even if it is an acceptable question, but I am sure if it is unacceptable, someone will tell me 'go away(and I would'.

My question is , what computer systems do airlines use to schedule aircraft in for the various checks/maintenace they have to go through? Is they home built or are they off the shelf from someone - and if so, from whom.?

Thanks (and maybe sorry for the question )

[Genghis the Engineer]

I can't speak for the airlines, but I've visited a few RAF squadrons who do it (very efficiently) with a large number of white-boards, sticky tape and magic markers. I believe that this is technically known as "appropriate technology".

G

[Compass Call]

Genghis

I think that you are referring to a "Plastic Brain"!!

Compass Call

[Genghis the Engineer]

And that I believe is known as "appropriate use of terminology". Thank you for the reminder.

G

[Blacksheep]

In the Cold War days, whiteboard pen manufacturers (e.g. Chinagraph) were Soviet "First Strike" targets!!

Back to the question, our organization uses specialised OTS software - Cimber's AMICOS system. Its almost as ancient as the chinagraph and doesn't work any better than a white board. More up to date are AMICOS II and Trax, both OTS maintenance planning, record keeping and inventory control software systems. We are working with Boeing and their partners on the "Enterprise One" system, which should be up and running sometime in October. This is similar to the Trax and Cimber offerings, but its much better at integrating both Boeing's Portable Maintenance Aid (aka PMA) and Airbus's AirNAv digital documentation data into the manufacturer's task cards. It also handles digitised Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins better. Enterprise One will also be marketed by Boeing as an OTS package.

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Through difficulties to the cinema

[phnuff]

Blacksheep - Do these systems that you mention just dreal with the aircraft, or do they deal with all resources required i.e. people/parts etc?

[Blacksheep]

They assist the planners to schedule maintenance check inputs, pre-load parts and materials for scheduled tasks and also provide manpower estimates for each input. Some are better than others. The latest systems are very powerful and automate much of the planning previously done manually, including manpower allocation .

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Through difficulties to the cinema

[Slab]

phnuff, Virgin Blue uses the Trax system for almost everything within the Engineering department. This includes stores, tooling, job costing (manhours and parts) as well as tracking the maintenance and producing work packages for the aircraft.

[Jango]

Most of the newer software packages used offer 'production data capture' modules so you can accurately record times for doing jobs, materials used on the job etc, all thru a bar code on the work card and bar codes on the forehead of the engineer etc

I know of railway/transit companies who are looking to introduce some similar systems and practices.

I heard old Borneo Skyways had been duped by Boeing for Enterprise One..good luck! Store software from one comapny, tech records software from another company under a Boeing badge and you are the first! Had a beer with the guy who sold it to you, boy did we laugh.

[Nopax,thanx]

We have used AMICOS since 1995; it's about to be replaced by Spirent's AURA system. Don't know how good it will be yet, we've only had the salesmen telling us it's wonderful - time will tell.

It's even possible to plan maintenance using something as basic as Microsoft Excel; some smaller operators use it, and some of it's more cunning functions adapt quite well to planning requirements.

[phnuff]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. The reason I asked the question is that I have an advanced, fully customisable scheduling system and I am investigating the possible uses . places like call centres are one application (lots of people used, high costs of getting it wrong) and I suspected aircraft maintenance could be another (not flying=spending lots of money and that is before we even think of people costs.). Its kind of - "you dream up the scenario, and it can be bolted onto what ever system anyone has". I have heard enough to make me think this idea may have some mileage. Now, I need to think up scenario's


Thanks again

[Blacksheep]

Say Hi to "C" from all of us when you next have a beer with him, Jango. He's due back here next week, maybe he can tell us what the two of you were laughing about?

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Through difficulties to the cinema