AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION

A squadron or unit, regardless of location, may be required to perform intermediate- level maintenance functions on systems and equipments unique to its equipment or mission. The supporting ship or station provides the squadron with materials, facilities, and support equipment. The squadron or unit also provides selected quantities of readily transportable material and support equipment as organizational property. Q6. Q7. Q8. What three levels of maintenance are used within the Navy? What type of maintenance does the operating unit perform on a day-to-day basis in support of its own operations? What two types of maintenance are performed within the Naval Establishment? AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe the responsibilities and organizational structure of organizational maintenance activities (OMAs). Describe the responsibilities and organiza- tional structure of intermediate maintenance activities (IMAs). An aircraft maintenance department supports naval operations with upkeep on aircraft and associated support equipment. When providing this support, the department adheres to the organizational policies and procedures that the NAMP prescribes. Since all aviation maintenance activities have similarities in mission, operation, and administration, it is only reasonable that they be standardized in these areas as much as possible. An aircraft maintenance department, properly organized and administered, should rank high in the following areas: Performance and training of maintenance technicians Aircraft, equipment, and system readiness Safety Efficient use of resources (manpower and materials) Management control of the organization Evaluation of performance Unit combat readiness Continuity when aircraft and maintenance technicians are transferred between commands The objectives of these areas cannot be met by use of an instruction manual or by means of an organizational structure alone. They are met by the intelligent efforts of all naval personnel who are engaged in maintenance tasks. Functions of an aircraft maintenance department include the following: Periodic maintenance and routine inspection and servicing of aircraft, associated support equipment, aeronautical material and compo- nents, including the necessary disassembly, cleaning, examination, repair, modification, test, inspection, assembly, and preservation Special work, when required, to comply with technical directives or local instructions Correction of equipment of aircraft and equipment discrepancies Assurance of high quality workmanship Maintenance of required records and publica- tions Maintenance and custody of tools and other equipment that are provided to the activity for its own use Training of assigned personnel Conducting maintenance and ground handling safety programs Submission of reports for statistical, analytical, and historical purposes The depth and complexity of functions vary with the number and type of aircraft that are involved and the maintenance level. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE An organizational structure exists to help carry out the responsibilities that are needed for mission accomplishment. Each segment (division, branch, section, or work center) of the organization has line or staff responsibilities. A line relationship is a relationship that exists between senior personnel and their subordinates. A line relationship is a direct supervisory relationship that involves work assignments to subordinates. A staff relationship is a 1-4