> "... For example, if a system makes use of two independent components, each with an availability of 99.9%, the resulting system availability is >99.999% ... "
What they probably mean is that if each component can fail independently with a probability of 0.001 (0.1%) then the probability of both of them failing is 0.001 * 0.001 = 0.000001 (0.0001%)
If the system depends on just one of the components working then 1 - 0.000001 = 0.999999 (99.9999%)
This is correct, however in reality completely independent components are very rare. Even things that seem independent and truly redundant e.g. jet engines of an airliner, are much more likely to fail after one of them fails. Therefore this line of reasoning must be applied with extreme care.
“Avoidance of multiple similar systems maintenance.
Maintenance practices for the multiple similar systems requirement were designed to eliminate the possibility of introducing problems into both systems of a dual installation (e.g., engines and fuel systems) that could ultimately result in failure of both systems. The basic philosophy is that two similar systems should not be maintained or repaired during the same maintenance visit. Some operators may find this difficult to implement because all maintenance must be done at their home base.”
Unless someone explain or argue that this statistic, when a system with such high degree of availability let's say >=99.9% also can be said to have other properties beyond just the mere statistical nature. If not the resulting availability should be
99.8001%
This does not seem correct.