Ensuring a Correct Aircraft Technical Configuration
Flying on an aircraft with an incorrect aircraft technical configuration can cause unexpected system behaviors that could lead to an accident or a serious incident. This can occur when an aircraft is dispatched with hardware or software that is not authorized to be installed on that aircraft. Incorrect technical configuration or documentation can also create inconsistency between the documentation and the actual aircraft technical configuration.This article recalls the key aspects of technical configuration management. It highlights the importance of checking the Part Number (P/N) of the hardware and software and describes the tools that Airbus has developed to help operators make sure that they install the appropriate P/N on their aircraft.
A320 Family Aircraft configuration
With the introduction of a data loading function on A320 Family aircraft Flight Control and Auto Flight computers, managing the aircraft configuration entered a new dimension. Flying a certified aircraft now requires understanding not only hardware Part Numbers, but also less immediately visible operational software ones.