CHAPTER 1
GENERAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses the various types of routine
aircraft maintenance performed by the AM ratings.
When performing any type of maintenance, it is your
responsibility to comply with all safety procedures and
tool control requirements. Because no one set of rules
applies to all aircraft, you should refer to the
maintenance instruction manual (MIM) for the tools,
materials, and procedures required for that particular
aircraft or piece of equipment.
TOOL CONTROL PROGRAM
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the
importance of the Navy's Tool Control
Program (TCP).
Major problems, such as aircraft accidents and
Figure 1-1.--Typical silhouette toolbox.
incidents, may result from tools left in an aircraft after
maintenance has been performed. Tools out of place
may result in foreign object damage (FOD). To reduce
contains information that includes material require-
the potential for tool FOD-related mishaps, the Tool
ments, tool inventories, and detailed instructions for the
Control Program (TCP) provides a means of rapidly
implementation and operation of the TCPL for a
accounting for all tools after completing a maintenance
specific type/model of aircraft. But the main
task on an aircraft or its related equipment.
responsibility relies with the work center and quality
assurance.
TOOL CONTAINERS
QUALITY ASSURANCE/ANALYSIS (QA/A)
The means by which tools can be rapidly
RESPONSIBILITIES
inventoried and accounted for is accomplished by using
silhouetted tool containers. All tools have individual
The QA/A division is responsible for monitoring
silhouetted locations that highlight a missing tool.
the overall Tool Control Program in the command.
These containers are called "shadow boxes." A shadow
While monitoring the program or performing "spot
(silhouette) of the tool identifies the place where the
checks," the QA/A division will ensure that tool control
tool belongs. The TCP is based on the instant inventory
procedures are being adhered to. Some of the special
concept and is accomplished, in part, through the use of
requirements are to ensure the following:
shadow boxes. See figure 1-1. On containers where
1. That all tools are etched with the organization
silhouetting is not feasible, a note with the inventory
code, work center, and tool container number.
and a drawing of the container is included. Either
system enables the work center supervisor or inspector
2. That special accountability procedures are
to quickly ensure that all tools have been retrieved after
being complied with for those tools not suitable for
a maintenance action.
etching; for example, drill bits (too hard) and jewelers
screwdrivers (too small).
The material control officer is responsible for
coordinating the TCP and for ensuring that tools are
3. That work center inventories are being
procured and issued in a controlled manner consistent
conducted and procedures are being adhered to during
with the approved tool control plan (TCPL). A TCPL
work center audits and periodic spot checks.
1-1
