Flying safely: Why effective tooling control and management is vital in the aviation industry

The first controlled, sustained flight of an airplane was made by the Wright brothers in 1903 – who would have imagined the realms of possibility when that early machine first took flight.  Today, there are thousands, often tens of thousands of planes flying in the sky at any given moment. 

Behind this remarkable feat of engineering lies a staggering complexity of millions of individual components, meticulously assembled to ensure safe and efficient flights. From the smallest nuts and bolts to the most intricate avionics systems, every part plays a vital role in the aircraft’s operation. To maintain, repair, and manufacture these incredible machines, an equally vast array of specialized tools is required.   

Aviation tooling requires stringent control to ensure compliance with regulations and ultimately the safety of passengers. Modern software can ensure this, helping to improve the accuracy of tracking and management and reduce the risk of human error. In this blog, we highlight the reasons behind the importance placed by the industry on the strict control and management of aviation tooling. 

1. Safety:  

Carrying millions of passengers high in our skies is no minor feat – and ensuring their safety is of the upmost importance. The proper control and management of tooling directly contributes to the accurate and reliable performance of maintenance and repair tasks when they are performed on aircraft. When tools are kept in good condition and are used correctly, they reduce the risk of errors that could compromise the safety of aviation workers and aircraft passengers. 

2. Regulatory compliance: 

Aviation is subject to regulations and oversight by many aviation authorities around the world. These include CAA in the UK, the FAA in the United States, and the EASA in Europe. It is imperative for aviation organizations to ensure compliance with these regulations, which are often extensive in nature and include requirements for the management of their tooling. A failure to comply with compliance requirements can result in penalties and the loss of certifications. 

3. Airworthiness:  

There are specific airworthiness standards that aircraft must meet before they can be rated as safe to operate. Keeping well-managed tools and equipment for maintenance and repair is one of the most important aspects of maintaining airworthiness, as it makes sure that maintenance and repairs are performed in accordance with the highest standards.  

4. Precision and accuracy: 

The aviation maintenance tasks require a high level of precision. A well-calibrated and well-maintained tool is essential for tasks like engine maintenance, avionics installations, and structural repairs; these tasks require accurate and optimally maintained tools. 

5. Efficiency:  

A tooling control and management system that is effective can improve the efficiency of maintenance operations. Having the right tools readily available as well as in good condition will help reduce downtime and allow you to complete a task more quickly, ultimately saving you money and time. 

6. Cost savings: 

Sustaining a meticulously structured tooling control system can have a considerable, enduring influence on a company’s potential for achieving substantial cost savings over the long haul. If tools are properly cared for and calibrated at the appropriate time, they last longer and require fewer replacements, reducing operational expenditures. 

7. Recordkeeping and traceability: 

An effective system for recording tool usage, maintenance history, and calibration ensures that there is traceability and accountability of the tools. It is valuable information which can be used for audits, tracking trends, and identifying potential issues before they develop into major problems in the future.  

8. Reputation and trust: 

Reputation and trust are paramount in the aviation industry because they directly impact passenger confidence, regulatory compliance, customer loyalty, investor support, global partnerships, and effective crisis management. In an industry where safety and reliability are non-negotiable, a strong reputation for trustworthiness is the foundation upon which all aviation businesses are built and sustained. With no room for errors and a need for strong accountability, it’s critically important for aviation organizations to demonstrate a strong method of management and control of the tools and equipment used on every aircraft. 

9. Risk mitigation: 

In an industry with high levels of risk involved, measures are continually evaluated to mitigate them.  An effective tooling control solution can help tool and MRO managers to evaluate and reduce the risk of accidents or incidents related to tooling. The safety and integrity of the aviation system can only be maintained if such risks are minimized, and the integrity of the system is maintained. 

10. Global compliance: 

The aviation industry is a global industry, requiring high levels of consistency and compliance across borders. A robust, universal, and brand agnostic tooling control and management system ensures that aircraft and maintenance operations meet global standards.  

CRIBWISE enhances security and streamlines the entire workflow associated with reserving, returning, and monitoring essential manufacturing tools required for the production of vital aircraft components. This encompasses a broad spectrum, encompassing everything from engine parts and airframe components to landing gear assemblies. With our cutting-edge digital tool management platform, you can guarantee the constant availability of the correct tools in your inventory, ensuring that production runs smoothly without any interruptions.