A Disturbing Trend

First of all, I enjoy reading your fine magazine.

In responding to Greg Napert’s From the Publisher column “A Disturbing Trend” (March 2015), I must preface my letter by stating that I have no detailed information, nor have I seen any investigative reports, so my comments are simply an opinion on the general issue of maintenance technicians reporting findings. During my 51 active years in aviation I have seen very few examples of this issue. I have personally seen where people have signed off for work that was not completed which was a bigger issue. I have worked as a technician, licensed AME and as a regulator responsible for aviation regulation development and enforcement. One of my areas was maintenance policy and AME training and licensing.

My experience in the RCAF and civil aviation strongly demonstrated to me that personal certification was the best way to ensure, as much as humanly possible, that people took responsibility for their actions. This reflects western society’s approach to the idea of personal responsibility in many fields; we certify pilots, air traffic controllers, doctor, engineers, etc. The basic idea is that one stands up for what is correct and also to protect his or her own license and reputation. It also gives governmental authorities a way to enforce the rules without interference.

While working as a regulator, I once had an AME call me and say that their aircraft had a prop strike and his boss, the company owner, did not want him to do the required engine check. He was afraid of being fired and asked for my help. I told him I could not interfere in the master/servant relationship but I told him to tell his boss we were aware of the situation. I further added that he should tell him that if appropriate checks are not done we will investigate, inspect and audit as we now have intelligence that a violation may be taking place. In short, they did the check and found the engine was damaged and subsequently changed it out. The AME was not fired. This again proved to me the value of a personal license to ensure maintenance is done correctly and so certified.

The ability of individuals to carry their licenses from employer to employer adds to the license usefulness in this matter. It gives the technician something to rely on and sets a standard. Sometimes technicians exceed their specific work package. If the tech finds a defect outside of their current task, this defect can then be repaired or deferred by a more senior licensed individual in accordance with their defect control system. From what you wrote it seems the tech should have been commended for spotting the cracks.

Having worked on flight lines I know that it becomes too easy to depart an aircraft to the next base with defects in order to meet departure times. Maintenance personal must always fight against that pull and document the defects and ensure they are dealt with. There is no excuse not to do that. Always be mindful of the dirty dozen as well and do not lax into any bad habits such as not noting defects just to meet departure times.

Roger Beebe

President Plane Talk Consulting

Niverville, Manitoba, Canada

rogerbeebe@Planetalkconsulting@gmail.com