Everett, Wash.-based Fluke Corp. has produced two particularly sophisticated tools that it believes represent a once-in-a-decade advancement. Both electrical and electronics aviation systems (radar, communication) must be inspected, but to do that requires test tools designed to operate at the same frequencies used on board the aircraft. “Regular test and measurement tools test at 50 or 60 Hz, since that is the electrical frequency found in commercial electrical installations,” says Hilton Hammond, ScopeMeter product manager at Fluke. “Because avionics systems are engineered to be lightweight, they use different materials, affecting even the function and frequency of their electrical and electronic systems. Electrical power inspections should occur at 400 Hz, while electronics should occur at 500 MHz. At the close of 2012, Fluke introduced a 500 MHz handheld oscilloscope and a 400 Hz power quality analyzer, to meet these requirements. While measurement at these frequencies had been attempted before, these tools represented a breakthrough in safety rating, grounding, ruggedness, and battery life for a field tool – especially important in the military.”


Learning more To learn more about specific tool advances and their correct usage, refer to maintenance instruction manuals. Also, “The OEM tool and equipment manuals are a good source for the latest information,” says Tim Meyers, customer technical training leader, Evendale, Ohio. “Additionally, tooling distributors also have key technical knowledge on new technology and advances.” Detailed information about aviation tools is featured on company websites. To disseminate information on tool advances, Snap-on Industrial has developed several new Advanced Technology Labs (ATL).


These vehicles showcase Snap-on’s tools, equipment, capabilities, services and solutions for the aviation industry. “The ATLs tour the country, visiting MROs and airlines to give technicians the opportunity to see demonstrations on how Snap-on’s innovations and technologies are making the aviation industry more productive and efficient,” says Scott Steward, aviation support manager at Snap-on Industrial, Kenosha Wis. “Snap-on is constantly working with our customers within the aviation industry to identify their needs and tooling requirements.” AM


GE Measurement & Control


It is important that inspection tools are increasingly smarter, GE says and strives continuously to improve its offerings.


Aviation Maintenance | avm-mag.com | May 2013 37


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40