Maintenance "Personal Minimums"

Federal Aviation Administration

DOT/FAA

Objective:

Personal evaluation by the aviation maintenance technician before and after accomplishing a maintenance task.

Before the task!

The following areas should be considered before accomplishing the task to assure the task is completed to the highest level of safety.

Maintenance “Personal Minimums” Given a “Personal Checklist” with

areas to be considered before and after the job task. The maintenance technician will be able to determine the task was completed to industry standards and self assessment.

Do I have the knowledge to perform the task? Formal Training OJT Training Self Study Training specific to the task to be

accomplished. Specialized Training Recurrent Training

Do I have the technical data to perform the task? Manufacturer Maintenance Manuals Aircraft Specifications/Type Data Sheets Service Bulletins Service Letters Airworthiness Directives Drawings/Blueprints Supplemental Type Certificates

Have I performed the task previously? All the elements considered for the task. Routine or complex operation. Do I need training or supervision to

complete the task. Regulation requires it.

Do I have the proper tools and equipment to perform the task? Calibrated tools Test equipment Specialized rigging tools Special assembly and disassembly tools Test Stands Support Stands Proper hoisting equipment

Have I had the proper training to support the job task? Aircraft or component type specific. Specialized training .(Composites, NDT) Complex skills needed System specific Human Factors training considerations

Am I mentally prepared to perform the task?

Stress from home or work situations. Mental distractions-Thinking about

other things. Time-frames ( Pressures to get the job

done ) Overload ( More work than you can

handle )

Am I physically prepared to perform the task? Use of all our senses. ( Sight, hearing,

smell, touch, taste ) Rested Environmental conditions Healthy Physical condition

Have I taken the proper safety precautions?

Protective clothing ( Gloves, goggles, ect.) Personal safety equipment (ventilation

equipment, ect.) Proper tools ( electric tools verses air

tools ) Identification ( tagging, safety streamers,

ect. ) Safety locks ( landing gear, ect. )

Do I have the resources available to perform the task? Money Parts Man Power Facilities

Have I researched the FAR’s to ensure compliance? Current regulation review for the work

be accomplished. Am I able to determine that the

regulation is applicable and appropriate for the task being performed?

Review of Airworthiness Directives to assure I have completed all airworthiness requirements.

After the task!

Review of all the areas that were affected to accomplish the task.

Did I perform the task to the best of my abilities? Self assessment to determine that the

work performed met all the methods, techniques and practices as prescribes by industry standards.

Work was accomplished in a manner that was not less than what my performance was capable of.

Was the job task performed to be equal to the original? Each person maintaining or altering, or

performing preventative maintenance, shall do that work in such a manner and use materials of such a quality, that the condition of the airframe, aircraft engine, propeller or appliance worked on will be at least equal to its original or properly altered condition.

Was the job task performed in accordance with appropriate data? Each person performing maintenance.

alteration, or preventative maintenance shall use the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the manufactures maintenance manual or data acceptable to the administrator.

Did I use all methods, techniques and practices acceptable to the industry?

Each person performing maintenance, alterations, and preventative maintenance shall use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to assure completion of work in accordance with industry practices.

Did I perform the job task without pressures, stress or distractions?

Reevaluation of the job task may need to be considered if the job was accomplished under these conditions.

As a reminder the aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation.

Did I reinspect my work or have someone inspect my work before return to service? Perform the inspection as to determine

whether the aircraft or portions thereof under inspection, meets all applicable airworthiness requirements.

Did I make the proper record entries for the work performed?

Each person who maintains, performs preventive maintenance, rebuilds or alters an airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance or component part shall make an entry in the maintenance record of that equipment.

Major repairs and alterations shall be entered on a form ( FAA Form 337).

Did I perform the operational checks after the work was completed?

Must determine satisfactory performance in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

Am I willing to sign the bottom line for the work performed? If the work performed on the aircraft,

airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part has been performed satisfactory, the signature, certificate number, and the kind of certificate held by the person approving the work.

The signature constitutes the approval for return to service only for the work performed.

Am I willing to fly in the aircraft once it is approved for return to service?

The ultimate test for the work task accomplished.

Assures confidence in the work performed.

Increases reliability. Decreases liability. Maintains public trust. Maintains integrity.

Maintenance “Personal Minimums” Checklist

Keep it close to your toolbox!