Aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) are responsible for the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft during transit and upon arrival. One question that frequently arises is:

Can an aircraft maintenance engineer check the aircraft’s engine oil level by communicating with the pilot via the headset upon arrival?

The Short Answer: No, But Communication Helps

While engineers cannot directly check the oil level through the headset, the headset plays a critical role in gathering preliminary information from the flight crew—including engine status, potential discrepancies, and oil alerts.

What is the Headset Used for Upon Aircraft Arrival?

After the aircraft arrives and parks at the gate or on the ramp, the ground engineer connects a headset to the aircraft’s interphone system. This communication link is used for:

  • Confirming when engines are shut down
  • Verifying brake temperature and brake fan operation
  • Discussing technical issues experienced in flight
  • Confirming fuel and oil-related messages seen by the pilots
  • Coordinating pushback and power changeovers

Although the headset does not allow engineers to read system values, pilots can relay cockpit display readings, including engine oil quantity, pressure, or alerts.

Can Pilots Share Engine Oil Levels via Headset?

Yes, pilots can verbally report engine oil levels or related warnings from their Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) or Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS). However:

  • These readings are informational only, not substitutes for physical or digital ground checks
  • Final verification must be performed by the engineer using aircraft maintenance procedures

Why Engineers Still Need to Perform Physical or System Checks

Despite pilot feedback, certified engineers must:

  1. Wait for Engine Cool-Down: Most aircraft require a waiting period (typically 30-60 minutes) after shutdown before checking oil levels.
  2. Use Maintenance Panels: Access oil servicing panels to view dipsticks or electronic quantity indicators.
  3. Log Data via Central Maintenance Systems: For aircraft like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350, oil data can be downloaded or reviewed through maintenance terminals.

Standard Procedure: Pilot Communication Followed by Engineer Verification

Headset communication is the first step in post-arrival inspection:

✅ Step 1: Pilot informs the AME of any in-flight engine-related messages

✅ Step 2: AME confirms if oil levels are within limits according to the pilot’s report

✅ Step 3: AME performs a scheduled oil level check following OEM and MRO guidelines

✅ Step 4: Oil is topped up if required, using approved methods and materials

Benefits of Headset Communication for Engine Monitoring

  • Speeds up turnaround by allowing engineers to prepare tools or oil before physical inspection
  • Enhances situational awareness about engine conditions
  • Supports real-time decision-making, especially in quick turnarounds

Conclusion: Headset Enables Communication, Not Oil Checking

While aircraft maintenance engineers cannot check engine oil levels directly through the headset, they can use the information provided by pilots to plan inspections and maintenance tasks. Ultimately, headset communication is a valuable tool for coordination, but final oil checks require hands-on procedures and system verification.

By Aeropeep

Categorized in:

Aircraft Engineering,

Last Update: June 5, 2025