Let's talk nuts, bolts and structural hardware.

Problem: Thousands of incidents have occurred since the beginning of naval aviation because of the improper use of structural hardware. We experienced everything from loss of life, catastrophic failure of critical components, fodded engines, to a simple locknut missing for the jumper wire on a landing-gear door. In the fleet, we often see pre-expended bins that have screws mixed with nuts, washers mixed with cotter pins, and hardware that doesn't even apply to aviation.

Solution: The illustrated-parts manual for specific platforms and the NA 01-1A-8, "Structural Hardware Manual," are the bibles to follow. All airframers should be familiar with these manuals and become experts on the content. You should know the difference between tensile and shear strength and cadmium plating vice stainless steel. Supervisors and CDIs must make sure the right hardware is available when tasked to do a job. Supervisors, also must inventory pre-ex material, and get rid of that "100 year bin." Hold training on using the right hardware, and discuss the effects of using substandard items. These steps will make equipment last longer.

Best practice: The best squadrons I've seen have centralized and controlled pre-expended bins with accurate inventory, and they are managed in accordance with COMNAVAIRFOR 4790.2. Specific shops in these commands accurately document consumable parts, by part number, on the VIDS/ MAFs.

By AMC(AW) James Litviak Chief Litviak is a maintenance analyst at the Naval Safety Center.