An analysis of the feasibility and benefits of standardizing the management of flight safety critical parts within the Department of Defense

摘要

Flight Safety Critical Parts (FSCP) are parts that if they fail will cause loss of aircraft and possible loss of life. Each Service within DOD has their own practices and procedures for management, acquisition, and categorizing of FSCP, e.g., Flight Safety Parts, Flight Safety Critical Items, Flight Safety Critical Parts, Critical Safety Items, etc. Due to the diversity between Services, there is significant confusion within DOD and private industry regarding the acquisition, management, and disposal of FSCP. Many of the parts identified as FSCP are used on aircraft operated by more than one Service and on civilian aircraft. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages parts that are common between Services, which include many FSCPs. Management for FSCP that cross component lines, with each Service providing unique specification, is very difficult. Identification, procurement, testing, and management of Flight Safety Parts need to be consistent between Services in order to provide one standard and one face to industry. Standardization of policies and procedures will increase the potential for the procurement of safe reliable FSCP and decrease the risk of selling faulty surplus FSCP to private industry.