International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume IX, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2321-2705
Milton Kasanga and Dr. Terence Malama
Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Abstract: In response to a recent increase in accidents in the Zambian aviation industry, a study was conducted to assess the reliability of maintenance programs in the sector. A questionnaire was distributed to 108 respondents, all of whom provided a response. The results of the study were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel, and presented in the form of frequency tables and pie charts. The results revealed that 99% of the respondents had Maintenance Reliability Programs (MRPs) in place, with 50% reporting that their MRPs were effective. The study also found that the aviation industry in Zambia places a strong emphasis on safety procedures, with many respondents agreeing that stringent safety procedures are implemented.
Keywords: maintenance, reliability, programs, flight safety, Aviation Industry.
I. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of maintenance programs in the Zambian aviation industry in response to a recent increase in accidents [1] – [4]. The absence of a reliability department within the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority has resulted in a lack of reliability programs for some operators in the industry. These programs are essential for ensuring that aircraft maintenance tasks are effective and for providing appropriate techniques for monitoring the efficiency of the maintenance program. The absence of reliability programs can lead to increased costs for maintenance programs, as well as airworthiness limitations and an increased risk of aircraft accidents, due to either having too many or too few maintenance tasks.
Unreliable services can have significant consequences in the competitive and technical world of air transport, including increased operating costs, productivity losses, incidents, and an increased risk of accidents. These can lead to short and long-term customer dissatisfaction and damage a company’s reputation. It is important for air carriers to maintain strict safety and reliability standards while also striving for profit. Maintaining a repairable system can be a challenging task due to the economic and reliability considerations. While high levels of reliability are necessary, they do not have to come at a high cost.