February 2010 - Indian Airforce

Another associated aspect that merits attention in
connection with controlled working conditions while
taking very small and accurate measurement is the
temperature prevailing in the premises. It is a known
fact that as temperature increases there is a tendency for
expansion of physical metallic entities. The overhauling
procedures of an aero engine entail taking measurement
in microns. One micron is equal to one millionth of a meter
and the thickness of a human hair is around 80 microns.
For every degree increase in the room temperature
there is a likelihood of variation in measurements being
taken and their consistency. Therefore, maintaining the
specified temperature conditions is also a mandatory
requirement in the hall.
The two cases mentioned above clearly indicate
that, had the controlled conditions of environment been
provided and maintained, the chances of ingress of the
foreign dust particles into the internal parts of the aero
engine could have been avoided and the engines would
not have been prematurely withdrawn. Luckily both
the failures did not result in an accident/incident but
nevertheless could have manifested into serious defects
in air. These cases and many such defects, therefore,
bring forth the importance and criticality of maintaining
the desired conditions of humidity, temperature, lighting
and airflow in the work place, which have a direct bearing
on Flight & Maintenance Safety.
Today, Quality has become the most important
force to organizational success and growth. The fact that
quality increases productivity has now been well accepted
contrary to the general belief that it hinders production.
Though there is an excellent system of ensuring quality
at our BRDs, there is still a scope for improving upon
and further enhancing the various processes and
activities that go into product realization including work
environment. It is therefore important that the Admin
and Support services must also understand their role
towards Flight & Maintenance Safety and undertake a
pro-active approach in all activities contributing towards
safe & conducive working environment.
WG Cdr MK Sharma AE(M) is posted at 19 Wg AF.
There is more to Murphy !
Lorenz’s Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with
grease, your nose will begin to itch.
INDIAN AIR FORCE 2 01 0 F e b r u a r y Flight Safety
9