ASOG Article of the Month | August 2023
ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan
As an Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO), our world primarily consists of electronic systems and components. Besides the aircraft's electrical system (manned or unmanned) we fly, ASOs are responsible for a myriad of mission support electrical systems. These systems could range from passive & active sensors, mission management units, downlinks, and many more electrical components.
At some point in time, and adding Murphy's Law, ASOs will face an electrical problem at some point in time. Even though some ASOs have the luxury of having a dedicated maintenance team (e.g., military and public safety flight organizations) to deal with an electrical problem, many don't in the civil ASO community.
So, with that, if you're in the business of flying as an ASO, do you have a good "Swiss army knife" process for troubleshooting an electronic problem? If not, here are some practical "what to do" principles on how to manage and solve electrical issues (or in a UAV Mission Control Unit):
NOTE
Besides "Safety First," the below troubleshooting principles have no particular order. Based on the problem and situation, the order of these principles or actions could be different.
Safety First - Before troubleshooting, ensure the aircraft and mission system are correctly secured, and all safety precautions are in place. Bottomline…follow all Caution, Warning, and Notes associated with the aircraft and the systems – or – what makes sense, i.e., you don't want to turn a minor problem into a big problem.
Review Documentation - Consult the aircraft's maintenance manual, wiring diagrams, and other relevant documentation to understand the electrical system's layout and components.
Understand the Symptoms - Gather as much information as possible about the specific electrical problem. This includes understanding the symptoms when they occur and any relevant circumstances.
Isolate the Problem - Start by identifying the affected circuit or system. Use circuit diagrams and schematics to trace the path of the electrical current and pinpoint the problem area.
Check for Obvious Issues - Inspect the system for visible damage, loose connections, lost or disconnected wires, burnt components, or signs of overheating.
Use Test Equipment - Employ appropriate testing equipment such as multimeters, continuity testers, and insulation resistance testers to measure voltage, current, and resistance values. Verify the presence of power at various points in the circuit to determine if there is a power supply issue.
Follow a Systematic Approach - Divide the troubleshooting process into smaller steps to systematically eliminate potential causes. Start from the power source and work your way towards the load—test components one by one to identify any faulty components.
Check Grounds - Ensure the aircraft's electrical components and systems are correctly grounded, and the grounding connections are secure.
Consider Environmental Factors - Be aware of environmental factors affecting the electrical system, such as temperature, humidity, and vibration.
Record Findings - Maintain detailed records of your findings, including measurements, observations, and any corrective actions taken.
Consult with Experts - Seek assistance from experienced aircraft electricians or maintenance personnel if you encounter difficulties or if the problem is complex.
Verify Repairs - After making repairs or adjustments, verify that the issue is resolved by conducting functional tests and rechecking measurements.
Regulatory Compliance - Ensure that all repairs and modifications comply with aviation regulations, standards, and warranty requirements. Document all work performed.
Systematic Reintegration - Reintegrate the aircraft's electrical systems carefully, ensuring all connections are secure and wiring is routed correctly and protected.
Post-Repair Testing - Perform thorough post-repair testing to confirm that the problem is resolved and that the aircraft's electrical systems are functioning correctly.
Documentation - Complete all necessary maintenance documentation and log entries to record the troubleshooting process, repairs, and any parts replaced.
Follow-up - Monitor the system after troubleshooting to ensure the issue does not recur and that the aircraft remains in safe operating condition.
Now you know what it takes to troubleshoot an electrical problem. Always remember that aircraft and mission electrical systems are critical for safe flight operations and mission success, and safety should be the top priority during troubleshooting and maintenance activities. If you are not trained or certified to perform electrical maintenance on an aircraft or a particular mission system, seek the assistance of qualified professionals.
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