Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems

On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Module 13
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures
and Systems

13.10 On board Maintenance

Systems (ATA 45)
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
Acquisition:
• ECAM system which monitors the operational data in order to display warnings and
system information,
• FDRS which is mandatory and records aircraft operational parameters for incident
investigation purpose,
• CMS which monitors the BITE data in order to record the system failures,
• ACMS which records significant operational parameters in order to monitor the engines,
the aircraft performance and to analyze specific aircraft problems.

Consolidation:
In normal operation, the ECAM permanently displays normal aircraft parameters and the
ACMS and FDRS permanently record aircraft system parameters.
When an anomaly is detected by an aircraft system, the ECAM displays the abnormal
parameter or function and its associated warning and the CMS records the failure
information detected by the system BITE.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Information Retrieval:
• the cockpit Multipurpose Control Display Unit,
• the ECAM displays,
• the cockpit printer,
• the downloading system,
• a ground station via ACARS,
• the recorders.

Information Analysis:
• minor troubleshooting which is performed with the help of the ECAM and the
CMS through the MCDU’s and the printed or ACARS down-linked reports.
• in-depth troubleshooting which is performed with the help of the CMS and the
ACMS through the MCDU’s and printed reports.
• long term maintenance which is performed with the help of the ACMS and the
FDRS through printed, ACARS down-linked and downloaded reports or
recorded tapes.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

ONBOARD MAINTENANCE FACILITIES

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
Normally a system is composed of units which can be computers, sensors,
actuators, probes, etc. Most of these LRU’s are controlled by digital computers.
These LRU’s are permanently monitored, they can be tested and troubleshooting
can be performed. In each system, a part of a computer is dedicated to these
functions; it is called Built In Test Equipment. In some multi-computer systems,
one computer is used to concentrate the BITE data of the system.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Built In Test Equipment (BITE)

During normal operation, the system is permanently monitored: internal
monitoring, input/output monitoring, link monitoring between LRU’s within the
system.

Fault Detection
If a failure occurs, it can be permanent (consolidated) or intermittent.

Isolation
After failure detection, the BITE is able to identify the possible failed LRU’s
and can give a snapshot of the system environment when the failure
occurred.

Memorization
All the information necessary for maintenance and troubleshooting is
memorized in a Non Volatile Memory.

BITE Philosophy
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

The test function can be divided into

four groups.
• POWER UP TEST
• CYCLIC TESTS
• SYSTEM TEST
• SPECIFIC TESTS

Computer Software Process

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

POWER UP TEST
The power up test is a safety test. The purpose is to ensure compliance with
the design objectives. It is executed only on ground after long power cuts
(more than 200ms). Its duration is a function of the system which is not
operational during the power up test.
If the aircraft is airborne, the power up test is limited to a few items to enable
a quick return to operation of the system.

The typical tasks of a power up test are;

• test of microprocessor;
• test of memories;
• test of ARINC 429;
• test various 1/0 circuits;
• configuration test.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
CYCLIC TESTS
These tests are carried out permanently and not disturb system operation.
Typical tasks are; Watchdog test (a watchdog is a device capable of
restarting the microprocessor if the software fails), and RAM test.
Permanent monitoring is performed by the operational program (e. g.
ARINC 429 messages validity).

SYSTEM TEST
The purpose of this test is to offer to the maintenance staff the possibility to
test the system for troubleshooting purposes. This test check the integrity of
the system or sub-system. It is similar to the POWER UP TEST but it is
more complete. It is performed with all peripherals supplied.

SPECIFIC TESTS
For some systems, specific tests are available. The purpose of these tests
is to generate stimuli to various command devices such as actuators or
valves. They can have a major effect on the aircraft (automatic moving of
slats or flaps, engine dry cranking).
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

A/C SYSTEM TYPES

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Various Type 1 SYSTEMS

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

CMS
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

CMS Architecture
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Failure Classifications
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Operational Impact
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

PFR Function (ECAM and CMS Report)

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Aircraft Condition Monitoring System

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Aircraft Condition Monitoring System (ACMS)

The main functions of the Aircraft Condition Monitoring System (ACMS) are to
perform engine condition, APU condition and aircraft performance monitoring
as well as troubleshooting assistance. It collects, records and processes
aircraft system data which can be retrieved through the MCDU, on a memory
support or print.

The ACMS consists of:

• the Data Management Unit (DMU) including a Smart ACMS Recorder

(SAR).
• Flight Data Interface Unit (FDIU),
• an "on-ground" equipment called Ground Support Equipment (GSE),
• an optional Digital ACMS Recorder (OAR).
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

DMU
The DMU collects, stores and processes various aircraft system data. This
data can be stored in the internal DMU memory, the PCMCIA card or the OAR,
if installed. The collected data is used to generate various condition reports.
These reports can be stored in the internal DMU memory or on the PCMCIA
card.

FDIU
The Flight Data Interface Unit (FDIU) is part of the Flight Data Recording
System. It sends the same parameters as the Digital Flight Data Recorder to
the DMU.

Aircraft Systems
Various aircraft systems are connected to the FDIU. These input sources
provide the FDIU with engine parameters, APU parameters and aircraft
parameters.

ACMS Architecture
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
SAR
The SAR is a DMU function. This function allows the recording of compressed
data, programmable through the GSE. SAR data can be stored in the internal
DMU memory or on the PCMCIA card.
DAR
The purpose of the DAR is to store data on an optical disk for on-ground
performance, maintenance or condition monitoring tasks. Pre-programmed
selection of data can be done through the GSE.
MCDU
Multipurpose Control and Display Units are connected to the DMU, to display
data, program and also control the system. Compared to the GSE, the
programming facilities offered by the MCDU are very limited.

The main functions of the MCDU within the ACMS are:

• online display of selected parameters,
• display of the list of the stored reports and SAR files,
• manual request of reports and SAR/DAR recording.

ACMS Architecture
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
Printer
The printer is used to print reports generated by the DMU as well as most of
the ACMS MCDU displays. The printer can be automatically controlled by the
DMU, manually controlled via the MCDU or activated using the ACMS PRINT
pushbutton.

ACARS
The Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System can be used to
send reports and to broadcast parameters generated by the ACMS to a ground
station via radio transmission using:
• VHF Voice Data Radio,
• Satellite Communication System or
• Gate-Link acting as a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) when aircraft
is on the ground. The download of reports can be automatically initiated
by the DMU or manually initiated from the MCDU.

ACMS Architecture
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Ground Support Equipment

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

The GSE is based on a compatible personal computer able to read 3.5 inch
floppy disks and PCMCIA disks.

The GSE software provides the following main functions:

Reconfiguration function and Readout function
The reconfiguration function allows the configuration of the customer database
(trigger conditions, layout of recording space). The readout function allows
display, print out and analysis of recorded data.
Data Loader
The data loader is used to upload data into the ACMS (operational software,
customer databases), download data on a 3.5 inch floppy disk for GSE
analysis (reports, SAR data).
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
PCMCIA Interface
The PCMCIA interface accepts high capacity and removable PCMCIA disks.
On the PCMCIA disk can be stored ACMS reports, SAR data, DFDR data and
DAR data. The disk space ratio is programmable by the GSE. The PCMCIA
interface can also be used as a portable data loader to upload ACMS software
and databases or to download recorded data.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Aircraft Data Acquisition System and ground based Data Analysis

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Data Loading System

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
Data Loading System

The data loading system is an interface between the aircraft computers and
ground data processing equipment used to update software and databases or
to retrieve aircraft system data.

The MDDU can operate in two modes: automatic mode and manual mode.

The manual mode is only used to down load data while the automatic mode is
used to both upload and download data. According to the operation to be
performed, the disk which is used has to contain specific information (e. g.
configuration file). The data loading system includes two rotary selectors for
system selection. It also includes a Multipurpose Disk Drive Unit (MDDU).
If the Multipurpose Disk Drive Unit is not installed, Up and Down Loading
functions can be performed through a connector by using a portable data
loader
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
Uploading
The aircraft system computers use the loading system to update their
database:
• Flight Management Guidance and Envelope Computer (FMGEC)
• Circuit Breaker Monitoring Unit (CBMU)
• Passenger Visual Information System (PVIS)
• Management Unit do ACARS
• etc

Downloading
The downloading system is used to download, to a 3.5 inch disk, the data
recorded by certain computers during aircraft operation:
• FMGEC
• DMU (ACMS)

Via Multipurpose Disk Drive Unit MDDU

Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Electronic Library
System
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
The Electronic Library System is an information management system
designed to provide airline personnel with timely access to the information
necessary to operate and maintain an aircraft.
The system provides airline flight, maintenance, and cabin crews with
instantaneous access to information contained in tens of thousands of pages of
operational manuals, procedures, and navigation charts.
The long-term objective of the ELS is to eliminate the airline's need to carry and
update paper documentation on board the airplane.
In addition to timely access to information, flight crews will also have enhanced
avionics functionality due to ELS mass storage capabilities.
Maintenance crews will benefit because the Onboard Maintenance Systems will
be combined with the Electronic Library System in an integrated maintenance
and fault-reporting environment.
In addition to the benefits of cabin crew access to operational and procedural
information, the mass storage and file server function contained within the ELS
allows new levels of passenger service capabilities.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

ELS system consisted of a

monochromatic active-
matrix liquid crystal display
(LCD), an avionics-quality
optical disk drive, a
prototype ARINC 744A
printer, and a workstation
platform. The user input
device to the liquid crystal
display consisted of a
capacitive touch screen
overlay on the display
surface.
The integrated touch
screen input device and a
fiber-optic interface to the
display simplifies the
wiring installation.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)
Software provides an accurate and complete functional representation of the
envisioned final product. The system included simple "page turning" functions
as well as more advanced retrieval techniques such as text and graphical
hyper linking. Great care was taken in the design of the graphical user
interface (GUI) to ensure intuitive and consistent operation.
A subset of all manuals and navigation charts carried in flight crew kit bags are
stored digitally on the optical disk. Digital data was delivered and stored in
multiple formats, including compressed bitmap, text, and vector graphic
formats. This data set included sections from the Flight Crew Operating
Manual, Aircraft Flight Manual, Airport Analysis Manual, Aircraft Maintenance
Manual, Aircraft Schematic Manual, Illustrated Parts Catalogue and Minimum
Equipment List (MEL). Digitized versions of airport terminal charts were
provided by Jeppesen, Inc.
The electronic system would not only eliminate the bulky weight carried on the
aircraft (up to 90 kilograms carried by international flight crews) but, more
importantly, significantly reduce the cost of producing, updating, distributing,
and maintaining the existing paper information.
Furthermore, users recognized the potential benefit from task-oriented
organization of information and that an ELS would allow this potential to be
realized.
Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45)

Block Diagram