Memory Upgrade

If you are like me, it seems that every day, just earning a living in aviation is getting more complex. I got my A&P back in 1968. So I am old enough to remember a time when getting good, accurate information was a mechanic’s biggest problem. Now thanks to the computer, the Internet, and single CDROM disks that hold enough data to fill several filing cabinets, we mechanics now have access to more technical information then we can handle and it can be somewhat overwhelming.

So I cope with information overload by ram dumping an equal amount of old bytes or bits for each brand new incoming byte or bit. This constant adding and subtracting of data slows down my memory’s overall processing time, which in turn causes cognitive downtime or what Generation Xers call a "senior moment."

What I needed was a memory upgrade, but I didn’t know how to make it happen. It took a salesman to get me to buy into the idea of a painless approach to a memory enhancement. This particular salesman’s name is Rodger Holmstrom. Rodger is the FAA’s Airworthiness Safety Program manager for the Birmingham FSDO. He is also the Webmaster for the Birmingham FSDO web page. For Internet surfers it is worth your time to check out his handiwork and vast amount of information he has made available at http://www.faa.gov/fsdo/bhm/. I am sure his website will be listed under your favorites.

Personal Resource Book

Like I said, Rodger is the progenitor of the memory upgrade idea and like all great ideas the overall concept is simple in design. Rodger calls his memory upgrade for mechanics the Personal Resource Book or PRB. The PRB is a powerful networking tool that you build for yourself over time to fit your own needs. You don’t have to get fancy, just start with a threering binder and maybe a few dividers. Rodger suggests that you first organize the PRB into system categories: Electrical systems, Hydraulic systems, Fuel systems, Engines, Airframes, etc. You can add categories and subdivide categories into sections to meet your individual needs. For example, under the Engines category, you could add individual sections for each type of engine you routinely work on.

Rodger tells this story about how his PRB idea was born.

Years ago I was based on a small airport running a three-man shop, two uncertified helpers and myself. We were part of the local FBO. While talking with the technical representative at one of my engine parts sources, the tech-rep said, "Ralph said you should . . . (Whatever)" So I wrote the name "Ralph" on my desk pad. The next day I called my engine parts source and asked for Ralph. When Ralph answered I said, "Hi Ralph, my name is Rodger Holmstrom. I buy a lot of parts from your company, I’ve heard your name used as the engine expert and I just wanted to get to know an engine guru in person." As we talked, I was taking notes. About two weeks later, the evening news said the high school football team where Ralph’s son played had won the city championship game. The next day I called and congratulated Ralph. About two months later a Piper Saratoga landed and the pilot/owner asked me to look at his engine while he was doing business in town and give him a report when he returned. I ran the engine. It was rough and weak. Next I performed a compression test. One of the cylinders showed only about 5 psi, with air coming out the exhaust. I said to myself, "he’s got a burned exhaust valve." I called my engine parts source and asked the tech-rep for a burned valve repair price quote. Minutes later Ralph called me and asked me to do a flow check on the fuel injectors. He said you might have a "tuliped valve." If there is a restriction in the fuel line leading to that cylinder, the resulting lean mixture could have caused some detonation. The leaking exhaust valve may be just a symptom of another problem.