ML.A.402 Performance of maintenance

(a)Examples of acceptable methods to record and document the maintenance performed are the following: a copy of the 100-h/annual inspection checklist with ticks and signature; and a copy of the release to service indicating the tasks performed.

(b)Airborne contamination (e.g. dust, precipitation, paint particles, filings) should be kept to a minimum to ensure aircraft/components surfaces are not contaminated. If this is not possible, all susceptible systems should be sealed until acceptable conditions are re-established.

To minimise the risk of errors and to prevent omissions, the person performing maintenance should ensure that:

(a)every maintenance task is signed off only after completion;

(b)the grouping of tasks for the purpose of sign-off allows critical steps to be clearly identified; and

(c)any work performed by personnel under supervision (i.e. temporary staff, trainees) is checked and signed off by an authorised person.

CRITICAL MAINTENANCE TASKS The following maintenance tasks should primarily be reviewed to assess their impact on safety:

(a)tasks that may affect the control of the aircraft’s flight path and attitude, such as the installation, rigging and adjustments of flight controls;

(b)tasks that may affect aircraft stability control systems (autopilots, fuel transfer);

(c)tasks that may affect the propulsive force of the aircraft, including the installation of aircraft engines, propellers and rotors; and

(d)the overhaul, calibration or rigging of engines, propellers, transmissions and gearboxes.

ERROR-CAPTURING METHODS Re-inspection, when only one person is available to carry out the task, or independent inspection, are possible error-capturing methods.