​AIRCRAFT MECHANICS
My Essential Question:
How important is it that aircraft mechanics carefully follow maintenance and inspection procedures and log all maintenance performed?
The lives and safety of the aviation industry depends on aircraft mechanics. The job of an aircraft mechanic is to keep every aircraft in peak operating condition to ensure smooth operations on a daily basis. It is important that aircraft mechanics be on the lookout for faulty instruments, metal fatigue, and other issues that may cause problems in the future. Thanks to aircraft mechanics, more people are flying more safely than ever before.
Each year, the NTSB (National Transporation Safety Board) investgates about 1,500 general aviation accidents in which about 475 people are killed.
Maintenance Logs
How is everything done by the book? All maintenance is done according to Federal regulations set by the FAA (to the right) and is done to manufacturer instructions and
procedures. When maintenance is performed, it is logged by
the mechanics in the aircraft's pilot operator's handbooks (or the POH). All maintenance must be logged to determine whether the aircraft is authorized for flight or if there is an issue that has not been resolved.
So why is updating the logbook so important? "The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight." (14 CFR Part 91.7)
In February 2008, an airline transport pilot was killed during a position flight after the Piper PA-23-250 Aztec aircraft he was flying entered an uncontrolled
descent to the ground following an in-flight separation of the stabilator trim pushrod. The investigation found that the nut that secured the pushrod to the trim tab had backed out during flight; neither the nut nor its cotter pin were located. Although the aircraft had undergone an inspection about 73 flight hours before the accident, the investigation found evidence of prolonged inadequate maintenance.
Aircraft mechanics adhere to two major regulation handbooks:
– 14 CFR Part 43
• Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
– 14 CFR Part 65 (Subpart D-E)
• Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers
14 CFR = Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations: Aeronautics and Space
• Mechanics must keep their certificate where they normally work.
• Mechanics must present their certificate, upon request, to:
– NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)
– Federal, State, or Local law enforcement officer
In December 2008, a commercial pilot was killed when his Beech A36 Bonanza struck a tree and the ground in Louisville, KY during an emergency landing in night instrument meteorological conditions following the loss of engine power in flight. The investigation found that the engine had been reassembled incorrectly during a recent overhaul 58 hours prior. Maintenance personnel sealed the crankcase contrary to what the engine manufacturer instructed. The improper sealing of the crankcase prevented adequate clamping at the main bearing bosses, which resulted in the fragmentation of a main bearing and the failure of the crankshaft, thus leading to the engine failure.
Today, after the passage of the 1999 General Aviation Revitalization Act and changes to federal bankruptcy laws, general aviation mechanics are now at extreme risk of losing everything in a lawsuit.
What does this mean for aircraft mechanics?
– No longer are the manufacturers at fault in any lawsuit; it falls on the mechanic(s).
– If mechanics are not carrying a personal liability policy with at least $2 million in smooth coverage, they can lose their home, savings and any liquid assets in a jury trial.
– Not to mention having his/her wages attached to satisfy a very large jury award.
– Liability insurance starts at about $5,000 per year and goes above $30,000 for self employed mechanics.
– Mechanics also tend to purchase tail-end insurance to protect them for those years after getting out.
When you think of aircraft mechanics, realize a lot is at stake for them, but they are proficient in their work. Here are a few tips: Mechanics need to pay special attention to the aircraft manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the work is completed as specified. Always make sure instructions and manuals are up-to-date. Have other qualified mechanics inspect the maintenance you performed. Be thorough when performing routine inspections; even small cracks can lead to catastrophic incidents.