A Line Mechanic reports being directed by his Supervisor to load their latest EGPWS software into three of their Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. After loading the software; he could not sign-off the work in their maintenance computer. Maintenance Control told him; that work was not scheduled for his station; and they were unable to 'unlock' their computer to allow him to sign-off his work.

Date: 2009-09 · Aircraft: A320 · Phase: ground

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy

Synopsis

A Line Mechanic reports being directed by his Supervisor to load their latest EGPWS software into three of their Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. After loading the software; he could not sign-off the work in their maintenance computer. Maintenance Control told him; that work was not scheduled for his station; and they were unable to 'unlock' their computer to allow him to sign-off his work.

Narrative

I was directed by my Lead (as I assume terminal Management directed him) to do the software load on Airbuses we had overnight at the terminal tonight (August 2009). The specific Engineering Directive; called out to load a new software version in the EGPWS computer. I loaded this software into two A319's and one A320. I followed the Maintenance Manual (MM) and all three Airbuses accepted the load as directed in the MM. However; the problem occurred when I went to sign off the loads. The items were showing 'Locked' in our Maintenance Computer and to call Maintenance Control to 'Unlock'. I proceeded to call Maintenance Control; I talked with Maintenance Planner Mr. X. I asked him to 'Unlock' or assign the Engineering Directive to our station at ZZZ; he found the request. He then proceeded to advise me that he could NOT 'unlock' the item. As he continued to try; he commented that the software loads were 'on hold'; due to issues with that version. Additionally he said the item was not assigned to ZZZ Maintenance. I told him I was directed to do so (load software); I did not do it because I wanted to do it. After some time he said to give him my name; the nose numbers; which I did and he would try to 'unlock' it. I continued to try to sign off the loads in our Maintenance computer; but to no avail. I notified my Lead and he would advise the Midnight Manager; in case Maintenance Control called back. It is now right before punch out and the noted items are still in place in the Plan Work of the above noted aircraft. Since I did not sign anything off for the work accomplished; but Maintenance Control has been advised.

NASA callback

Reporter stated mechanics use a PC card to load new software versions into the EGPWS computer. The most current software version is downloaded from their Engineering Department; through Maintenance Control to a PC computer and onto a PC card. That card is then held in their stores parts department and used to load into their Airbus EGPWS computers.Reporter stated he still doesn't know if the 'issues' with the current EGPWS software have been resolved. He doesn't know who; or if; anyone actually signed-off the software upgrades on the three Airbus aircraft he worked. He could not sign for his work because Maintenance Control still had not released (unlocked) the maintenance item by the time his shift ended.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.