Examining the Use of Model-Based Work Instructions in the Aviation Maintenance Environment

Abstract

A fundamental tenet of product lifecycle management (PLM) environments is the use of high-fidelity, 3D product models. The capability to create models with high degrees of fidelity to the physical world has driven companies to extract as much benefit and use from these digital assets as possible throughout the design, production, and support stages of the lifecycle. This is particularly apparent in the aviation industry where aircraft lifecycles routinely reach 80 years or longer. As the aviation industry migrates to the use of 3D model-based communications mechanisms in lieu of 2D drawings, multiple factors will impact the use of digital model-based work instructions, including the device, the form of the product model data, and levels of detail in geometry and interactivity. This paper will present a series of short studies conducted over the last three years using novice university students and expert university staff aircraft mechanics to evaluate the use of model-based work instructions in a general aviation maintenance environment. The results indicate that varying levels of detail and levels of interactivity have an effect on number of errors, time on task, and mental workload.

Applying the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction

“…More recent research of graphics based air vehicle maintenance work instructions with user controlled augmenting data presentations (animated 3D models, interactive troubleshooting locations) during task-dense processes has shown that properly applied visualization and component presentation of technical or systems, when provided directly at the task location itself can improve efficiency and accuracy while resulting in reduction of rework due to missed or out of sequence steps (Hartman & Ropp, 2013;Kim et al, 2010). Although the literature has shown great features that AR-enhanced information can provide, research has yet to identify the users' perceptions of this new style of maintenance instructions.…”

Individual Resilience as a Competency for Aviation Professionals: A Review of the Literature

“…The ability of individuals to embrace "bolder and more radical changes" as the norm in the aerospace workforce was also found to be among the larger modern challenges for the industry where the learning curve remains constant and intense [70], [71], [72], [73]. This includes changes in use of technology for training approaches in industry (using augmented / virtual reality devices) and has begun driving change in aviation technical education tools of practice as well [74], [75].…”