|
|
|
21 October 2003
MEL’s and the MPM
As one of the ASAP TWU representatives
I would like to share with you what I believe is an alarming trend in
reports during the past several months. The ASAP committee has reviewed
several reports concerning improper placarding, and improper compliance
with the MPM procedure, when a specific procedure is needed to comply
with the MEL. Since some of the ASAP reports have been submitted after
the technician receives a Letter of Investigation (LOI), it is apparent
that the FAA has also noticed the increase in violations of this nature.
Those letters were generated after a logbook review and an alleged
violation with established policies and procedures was discovered.
Upon investigation, the majority of the
violations appear to happen near or close to departure time. While
trying to accomplish this important task in an expedient manner, and
trying to meet the need for an on time departure, errors are made. The
FAA will investigate this error, and will usually follow up with an LOI
to the individual. It is important that you understand that when you
sign the E6, you are
certifying, all items in
concert with the MEL item have been accomplished and satisfied,
including MPM procedures. In fact one must denote that a certain MPM was
accomplished to comply with the specific MEL, in the E6. Some of the
non-compliances with the MEL’s have included, not tripping a circuit
breaker and collaring it, not resetting a circuit breaker
after
performing a MPM procedure, deactivation of the wrong component in a
system, improper reactivation of a system
after
maintenance action cleared the MEL. These are just a few examples.
Examples of other reasons that the FAA
investigates violations would be after an aircraft ground interrupts and
returns to the gate, or an air interruption, either returning to the
departing station or an enroute city.
Another area of concern is when a
system is placarded and during subsequent trouble shooting on that
system. If a repair is not accomplished, the technician must ensure that
the system is inoperable per the MEL, which requires re-accomplishing
the MPM procedure if there is one for that MEL.
It is imperative that when performing
maintenance the technician follows the written procedures
to the letter.
If you are unsure or unfamiliar, stop and request guidance. Your
signature validates that the aircraft is airworthy when maintenance
actions are accomplished on the Company’s aircraft. The FAA will hold
you responsible for the items you certify are done in accordance with
the applicable manuals.
The MEL is an easy task to accomplish
but has serious consequences if not accomplished correctly. When
accomplishing this task make sure you understand the MEL and the MPM
procedure used in conjunction with the MEL.
Jerry Zerm
TWU ASAP Coordinator
|
|
|