Storage condition requirements for Part-145: KMC

Ensuring Compliance with Part-145 Storage Requirements: Know-Monitor-Control (KMC) for Aircraft Components and Materials

One of the critical aspects that we discuss in our Incoming Goods Inspection Training for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities is understanding and adhering to storage requirements for aircraft parts and materials. According to EASA Part-145 regulations (145.A.42), all components, standard parts, and materials must be stored in accordance with manufacturer requirements. Failure to do so can compromise the integrity of these items and reduce their serviceability. This article delves into the Know-Monitor-Control (KMC) approach to effective storage management.

The Importance of Proper Storage Conditions

Storage conditions significantly affect the shelf life and usability of aircraft components. Factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and contamination risk can alter the performance of materials. For example, rubber parts must be kept between 10 and 21 degrees Celsius with no exposure to direct light, while aircraft batteries require periodic recharging to maintain their functionality. Understanding these conditions and ensuring compliance is a challenge in the MRO industry, as not all manufacturer storage requirements are readily available.

KNOW: Gathering and Documenting Storage Requirements

The first step in effective storage management is to KNOW the specific storage conditions required for each component or material. This information can be sourced from:

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Essential for consumables, these documents outline storage needs.
Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM): Provide manufacturer-defined storage conditions for aircraft parts.
Regulatory Guidelines (CAA-UK CAP 562 – Leaflet D-40): Offer general storage guidelines where manufacturer instructions are unavailable (CAA-UK CAP 562 – Leaflet D-40 Storage Conditions For Aeronautical Supplies)
Purchase Orders (PO) and Repair Orders (RO): These documents should specify storage and handling requirements, ensuring suppliers and repair shops provide necessary details. It is your communication tool to request the required storage and handling conditions.

MROs should invest in compiling a database of these requirements, integrating them into their ERP systems for easy reference.

MONITOR: Ensuring Compliance with Storage Conditions

Once storage requirements are documented, they must be monitored continuously. Key monitoring tools include:

Data Loggers: Measure temperature, humidity, and other critical environmental parameters.
Alarm Systems: Alert personnel when storage conditions exceed acceptable thresholds.
Regular Audits: Inspections ensure that storage conditions align with regulatory and manufacturer specifications.

For example, avionics instruments often include desiccants to absorb moisture, which should be inspected and replaced periodically to maintain effectiveness. Gyro assemblies require functional checks every 12 months to ensure continued operability.

CONTROL: Maintaining Optimal Storage Conditions

To effectively CONTROL storage environments, MROs must have mechanisms in place to adjust conditions as necessary. This includes:

Temperature Control: Using heaters or air conditioning units to maintain required temperature ranges.
Humidity Regulation: Dehumidifiers or humidifiers to sustain appropriate moisture levels.
UV Protection: Shielding components from excessive light exposure.

Storage areas must also be well-ventilated, clean, and segregated to prevent cross-contamination. For example, flammable materials should be stored in isolated sections, while FIFO (First-In-First-Out) stock rotation should be applied to ensure older stock is used before newer supplies.

Specialized Storage Considerations for Aircraft Parts

Different materials require specific storage conditions to maintain their usability:

Bearings: Must remain in original packaging to prevent contamination.
Compressed Gas Cylinders: Stored in ventilated areas, shielded from direct sunlight, and segregated by gas type.
Paints and Solvents: Must be stored separately from greases, hydraulic fluids, and other chemicals.
Rubber Parts: Should be kept in a relaxed position to avoid deformation, away from liquids or vapors.
Survival & Emergency Equipment: Requires adherence to manufacturer-specified maintenance and inspection schedules.

Conclusion

Ensuring compliance with Part-145 storage requirements is essential for maintaining the integrity of aircraft components and materials. By applying the Know-Monitor-Control (KMC) approach, MROs can systematically manage storage conditions, prolong the usability of parts, and uphold regulatory standards. Investing in comprehensive data collection, real-time monitoring, and environmental controls will help organizations maintain a robust quality assurance system, ultimately enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency.