Why I stood my ground on a slow avionics repair last month

Most guys in the shop hate when jobs drag on, especially with tight flight schedules. We had a nagging autopilot fault on a cargo plane that kept coming back. The team voted to just reset the system and ship it, saying it was good enough. I pushed back and asked for more time to run full module tests, which added a whole day. Management was not happy about the delay, and I got some side eyes. But deep testing showed a failing circuit card that intermittent checks missed. If we had sent it out, that plane would have likely diverted from its route. Taking the hit on time once can prevent bigger headaches down the line, and I'll always choose careful over quick.

3 comments

3 Comments

webb.seth2d ago

So their frustration is worth a diverted flight?

caseyw122d ago

Flight 1542 to Charlotte last year had a guy with chest pains. They turned the whole plane around for Richmond to get him an ambulance. We sat on the tarmac for two hours while they sorted it out. Everyone was tired and missed their connections, but the crew said it was the only call. Sometimes the protocol just kicks in whether it's a big deal or not.

sandraw741d ago

Ever hear about a diversion that felt unnecessary at the time? My friend was on a plane that turned back for a passenger who seemed fine but later needed surgery, kind of like @caseyw12's story. Guess the rules are there for a reason, so a few grumpy travelers beats a worse outcome.