Your team needs to perform maintenance on an aircraft. What tools do you need to get the job done?

1 Safety equipment

Before you start any maintenance work, you need to ensure your safety and the safety of others. You should always wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and helmets, to prevent injuries from sharp edges, chemicals, noise, or falling objects. You should also use safety equipment, such as lockout/tagout devices, fire extinguishers, spill kits, and warning signs, to avoid hazards from electrical, hydraulic, fuel, or pneumatic systems. Additionally, you should follow the safety procedures and regulations for your specific aircraft and maintenance task.

3 Power tools

Power tools are the tools that use electricity, compressed air, or hydraulic pressure to perform tasks faster and easier than hand tools. Some of the most common power tools that you need for aircraft maintenance are electric drills, pneumatic wrenches, hydraulic jacks, air compressors, vacuum cleaners, and soldering irons. You should always use the appropriate power source and adapter for your tool and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions. You should also inspect your power tools regularly and maintain them properly.

4 Test equipment

Test equipment are the tools that you use to check the performance, condition, or functionality of a system or a component. Some of the most common test equipment that you need for aircraft maintenance are multimeters, oscilloscopes, voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, pressure gauges, temperature probes, and continuity testers. You should always use the correct test equipment for the parameter that you want to measure and follow the test procedure and standards for your specific aircraft and maintenance task. You should also verify that your test equipment is accurate and reliable.

5 Specialty tools

Specialty tools are the tools that are designed for a specific purpose or a specific part of an aircraft. Some of the most common specialty tools that you need for aircraft maintenance are torque wrenches, rivet guns, wire strippers, crimpers, safety wire pliers, pitot-static testers, and borescopes. You should always use the specialty tool that matches the specification and requirement of the job and follow the technical manual and guidance for your specific aircraft and maintenance task. You should also handle your specialty tools with care and store them safely.

6 Software tools

Software tools are the tools that use computer programs or applications to perform tasks, such as data analysis, troubleshooting, documentation, or communication. Some of the most common software tools that you need for aircraft maintenance are maintenance management systems, diagnostic software, flight data recorders, electronic logbooks, and online databases. You should always use the software tool that is compatible and updated for your aircraft and maintenance task and follow the security and privacy policies for your data and information. You should also backup your software tools and data regularly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?