Understanding the Perceptions of Chinese Aviation Maintenance Technicians Related to the Implementation and Use of 3D Aircraft Maintenance Manuals

Abstract

Aircraft maintenance manuals (AMMs) contain important information for the continued airworthiness of aircraft and are crucial technical documents for assuring maintenance tasks are carried out properly. However, because of mass text descriptions and static pictures, traditional AMMs have limited ability to show complicated aircraft structures and maintenance procedures accurately and intuitively. In order to improve the accuracy and descriptive ability of maintenance manuals to reduce misleading information and unclear procedures, a new style of aircraft maintenance manual, a three-dimensional (3D) maintenance manual, has been developed. Features of this manual include the use of 3D animations and multiple views to simulate component removal and installation processes. This type of manual can present short animations matched to individual steps of procedures. The purpose of this research project was to investigate how well the concept of a 3D maintenance manual could be accepted by front-line mechanics in the aviation industry and identify their perceptions about the usefulness of the traditional versus 3D maintenance manuals. This was a qualitative study that used surveys to assess the perceived benefits and drawbacks of both the traditional AMM and the 3D AMM. Participants were 48 front-line mechanics at multiple airlines in China. The results showed that the 3D AMM has the potential to be used for maintenance tasks and improve aircraft maintenance efficiency. In addition, along with the results, the study considered some recommendations for the improvement of 3D AMMs and suggested further research into understanding how maintenance technicians could utilize these documents more effectively.