AMT OPERATIONS then begins breaking down tasks based on the strengths of the team members’ It is important to leverage each person’s experience and align it with the maintenance action needed. The message is clear: “We manage what we can control, and mitigate what we cannot,” said Riter. Failures rarely occur with one disconnect.They’re usually caused by a series of mistakes. “In maintenance, we work to remove all holes from the Swiss cheese,” said business aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) Sam Orjoux, referring to Professor James Reason’s widely known “Swiss Cheese” model of accident causation. The concept of trust and verification, Orjoux said, goes beyond required inspection items policies that are included in technical publications. Most times, this begins with simple communication. Typically, an operator’s director of maintenance sees the big picture and provides the resources needed to accomplish the task. If instructions are unclear or there are any questions, the team will stop and talk it out. BE ACCOUNTABLE To ensure accountability, take steps to empower team members to stay vigilant. This comes in the form of awareness campaigns, training and tools to assist. Campos recommends that each employee has a safety management system (SMS) app on their phone. Doing that puts resources behind the idea that “if you see something, say something,” and shows that the organization is also accountable. That accountability starts from within, said Orjoux. Sometimes it’s the voice in your head that says, “Did I verify the settings on this torque wrench?” Other questions that are crucial to pay attention to include: “Is there complete understanding of the task at hand? What is the comfort level?” The verification comes through asking questions and doing a deeper dive into the actions needed. Aircraft maintenance is rooted in checks and balances. Expectations must be set early and checked as you go, said Riter. If something doesn’t feel right, have the fortitude to hit pause and talk through it. Some organizations call this concept a safety standdown. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS Thanks to huge leaps in technological innovation, aviation maintenance data has never been more available and important than it is now. With each innovation, AMTs are required to expand their skills and venture into uncharted territory. It is crucial for all team members to pay attention and trust the received part is correct – but to verify it anyway. While most aviation programs are heavily regulated, they are still dependent on individuals doing the right thing, Campos said. One example is ordering spare parts from an OEM.Although the part still needs review, under Part 91, there is no standardization or hard gates that the part must pass through. A bleed valve could pass from the shipping container to the aircraft without so much as a certificate check. But a thorough check of the bleed valve’s data plate and paperwork could avert big trouble down the line. BE PROFESSIONAL For Riter, it’s all about professionalism. Professionalism goes beyond the book, addresses concerns at the cause, and is not afraid to toss out the speed brakes to slow things down. “We represent not only ourselves, but our company as well,” Riter said. “The industry and each team member knows their responsibilities … If you fail, fail forward- learn from your mistake and grow from the lessons learned.” 6 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 05, ISSUE 02
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