Aircraft Avionics – They Require Maintenance Too!
Avionics are the brain of an aircraft providing the pilot required flight instrumentation, navigation sources, communications radios, and Air Traffic Control tracking functions. Other associated systems include equipment to receive weather information, NOTAMs, TFRs, traffic targets. Autopilots and coupled Flight Control Systems help to relieve pilot workload during appropriate phases of flight.
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All aircraft require maintenance inspections and servicing to remain safe and legal for flight. Did you know that Aircraft Electronics, or Avionics for short, require maintenance and servicing as well?
Avionics – Digital Maintenance
As Avionics have gotten more complex in aircraft, so has the software to run it and the databases needed to keep navigation data up to date, just like paper flying charts or Apps with digital maps on an Electronic Flight Bag. Software updates and enhancements are regularly released from equipment manufacturers that provide new feature enhancements, bug fixes, and better integration with other Avionics items.
Software updates typically must be installed by a qualified Avionics Technician.
Routine database updates are typically a function that can be performed by the pilot/operator referencing the appropriate product user guides. Some databases, such as Nav data used for GPS approaches, are updated every 28 days, very similar to how aeronautical chart cycles flow.
Avionics – Physical Maintenance
Just as aircraft go through routine maintenance inspections, so do certain Avionics components. For example, for aircraft flying in operations that require the checks, the aircraft Altimeters (which indicate how high an aircraft is above sea level), associated plumbing, and Transponders (the responding device that works with Air Traffic Control Radar) must be inspected for condition, proper operation, and calibration accuracy every 24 calendar months per FAR 91.411 and FAR 91.413.
Some Avionics systems are so complex, they often require their own special instructions for continued airworthiness that must be followed to ensure safe condition and operation. Associated antennas, wire harnesses, autopilot control servos, switches, and other items also get inspected for physical condition and operation as they often interface directly with critical safety of flight systems, such as primary flight controls.
Summary
First Flight Aviation, your premier Dayton area FBO, not only offers well known Flight Solutions, but also Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics support! Contact our expert team of Maintenance and Avionics specialist professionals to learn more about how they can meet your aircraft servicing needs, repairs, inspections, and learn about equipment enhancements.
While some facilities simply cater mostly to Avionics upgrades, First Flight Aviation strives to support both existing systems and guide customers along the way to solutions that best suit their needs.
First Flight Aviation Maintenance and Avionics Specialist can be reached via the company’s website: Contact Us