31 July 2011 C1 CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HONG KONG ...

(m)Are there any human factors issues associated with its use?2.3 Specific Tool Selection − OEM and COTSThe issues detailed above apply to the selection of any tool, regardless of whosupplies it. The issues detailed below are specific, additional, considerationsthat need to be considered for OEM and COTS Tools of software tools. If atool is going to be supplied by the aircraft Type Certificate (TC) holder (orSTC holder) or the equipment manufacturer, or where COTS tooling is goingto be supplied (COTS tools are considered to be those which were notsupplied by the aircraft TC holder (or STC holder) or the equipmentmanufacturer, or developed by the airline/maintenance organisation) thefollowing additional issues need to be considered:(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)Does the aircraft or Target Hardware manufacturer recommend it?Is the tool needed for the FLS or DFLD and aircraft in question?Was the tool actually developed for use with the FLS or DFLD andaircraft in question?If the tool was not specifically developed for use with the FLS orDFLD and aircraft in question, is it compatible with them?Is the tool likely to be compatible with the whole fleet?2.4 Specific Tool Selection – In-house Developed ToolsIf an aircraft operator is considering developing their own tools the followingadditional issues need to be considered:(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)The tool must be developed such that it cannot corrupt thefunctionality of the aircraft systems it is being used for.The aircraft operator or their organisation must have a sufficientunderstanding of the internal aircraft system functionality to be sure ofcreating a tool that will work correctly.The aircraft operator or their organisation must have personnel that areexperienced in writing tools for aircraft maintenance functions and theassociated human factors issues.The tool should be developed in a suitably controlled fashion.The operator should gain acceptance for the use of the tool from theaircraft or Target Hardware manufacturer.30 September 2005 AN-43 A1 P.6