FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip
January 2011
Incorrect Maintenance Manual Procedures
How many times have you done a job and realized the maintenance manual was incomplete or incorrect? Do you just put a note in the margin or in the sleeve of the DVD? Do you just KNOW how to perform the task correctly? What happens to the mechanic who may not be as familiar with the product or may be fatigued and/or pressured? Will he or she also recognize this maintenance manual error and come to the proper conclusion? The answer is, not always.
It is everyone’s responsibility to identify errors in the maintenance manual and bring them to the attention of the manufacturer. It is suggested to put it in writing and to accept nothing but a written response. If the error still exists, you should forward your correspondence to your local Flight Standards District Office for an Airworthiness evaluation. They may be able to assist you by contacting the Aircraft Certification Office and working with engineering and technical publications to obtain a safe result.
If you compare the latest revision to a particular maintenance manual you will often find the reason for the revision may have been for clarification, procedural change, lubricant alternatives and a host of other changes brought about by professionals like you. Be diligent and share your knowledge.
