Presenter Email
mrusekb@erau.edu
Location
Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center (Bldg. #602)
Start Date
8-14-2018 2:45 PM
End Date
8-14-2018 3:45 PM
Submission Type
Presentation
Other Topic Area
UAS Maintenance
Keywords
unmanned aircraft systems, maintenance, safety, airworthiness
Abstract
Over the last several decades, the notion of traditional aircraft design has significantly changed. While there are many modern aircraft that resemble earlier models, their components, systems, and overall architecture have evolved, including the introduction of small unmanned aircraft systems. Despite the growing consumer attraction to own and operate these aircraft, the subsequent impact on safety is an area of intense concern. The requirement of an established maintenance program for manned aircraft is rooted in ensuring that all aircraft are deemed safe for flight. Preventive maintenance schedules are based on component reliability data, which minimizes unnecessary maintenance while preventing maintenance-related aircraft accidents. This same requirement has not been extended to small unmanned aircraft systems. Current regulations and requirements for sUAS maintenance refer only to maintaining airworthiness, with no specific scheduled or unscheduled maintenance practices required. As the demand for small unmanned aircraft systems continues to grow, the safety threat will rise. The requirement of formal maintenance practices, which are based on component reliability data, would fulfill this need. To further explore the possibility of an established maintenance program for sUAS operators, this paper reviewed current maintenance requirements and proposes new accident data collection measures which contribute to the creation of a scheduled maintenance program. A formal certification process which follows a modified MSG-3 process is also proposed.
Presenter Biography
Bettina Mrusek earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and MBA from Park University and her PhD in Business Administration from Northcentral University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Bettina has been working with Embry-Riddle since 2014. She began as a Veteran’s Affairs Counselor for the Worldwide campus and then transitioned to a full-time faculty member in 2016.
Prior to joining ERAU, Bettina served in the United States Marine Corps for 14 years. She worked as an avionics communication and navigation technician and supervisor for multiple aircraft platforms, including both rotary and fixed-wing. In addition to her job as a technician, Bettina also worked in operations and supervised the Mobile Maintenance Facility program. She has a wide array of knowledge and experience with operations, avionics systems, safety, aircraft maintenance and inspections, general aviation, and management.
Original PowerPoint, Full-res
Included in
Aviation Safety and Security Commons, Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Maintenance Technology Commons
UAS Maintenance: A Critical Component in Maintaining Airworthiness
Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center (Bldg. #602)
Over the last several decades, the notion of traditional aircraft design has significantly changed. While there are many modern aircraft that resemble earlier models, their components, systems, and overall architecture have evolved, including the introduction of small unmanned aircraft systems. Despite the growing consumer attraction to own and operate these aircraft, the subsequent impact on safety is an area of intense concern. The requirement of an established maintenance program for manned aircraft is rooted in ensuring that all aircraft are deemed safe for flight. Preventive maintenance schedules are based on component reliability data, which minimizes unnecessary maintenance while preventing maintenance-related aircraft accidents. This same requirement has not been extended to small unmanned aircraft systems. Current regulations and requirements for sUAS maintenance refer only to maintaining airworthiness, with no specific scheduled or unscheduled maintenance practices required. As the demand for small unmanned aircraft systems continues to grow, the safety threat will rise. The requirement of formal maintenance practices, which are based on component reliability data, would fulfill this need. To further explore the possibility of an established maintenance program for sUAS operators, this paper reviewed current maintenance requirements and proposes new accident data collection measures which contribute to the creation of a scheduled maintenance program. A formal certification process which follows a modified MSG-3 process is also proposed.
Comments
Presented during Session 6: Aviation Maintenance