Configuration Control in Service
Section 12: Continued Airworthiness & Maintenance
Definition
The systematic process of tracking and managing the physical configuration of each aircraft and its components throughout the operational life, ensuring that the aircraft conforms to its approved type design (including all incorporated modifications, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives) and that the configuration is accurately documented in the aircraft's continuing airworthiness records.
Where This Shows Up
In-service configuration control is essential for airworthiness because the applicable maintenance requirements, airworthiness limitations, and dispatch limitations depend on the specific configuration of each aircraft. Configuration management must track which SBs have been incorporated, which ADs have been complied with, the modification status of each LRU and structural element, the software and hardware part numbers of installed avionics, and the effectivity of each component to the specific aircraft serial number. Gaps in configuration control can result in the wrong maintenance being applied, applicable ADs being missed, or incompatible parts being installed.
Primary Sources
FAA requirements for aircraft maintenance records, including configuration tracking.
EASA requirements for the aircraft continuing airworthiness record system.
Related Terms
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