He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. – Confucius
To play the fool in aviation is dangerous. Personal and professional hazards abound for pilots, mechanics, controllers and crew members who refuse to ask questions. From the cockpit to the component shop, failing to seek answers is detrimental to safety.
For those of us in a supporting role, it is equally important to seek answers in order to develop a complete understanding of the aviation industry. Regulators, trade association members, advocates, and policymakers have no excuse for a lifetime of foolishness when there’s a five minute fix.
On the other hand, questions must be answered. The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) is currently seeking answers and input. The keen eyes of the industry are needed for a series of five minute reviews so none of us has to play the fool:
2015 Audit Survey
Take five or ten minutes to help determine the burden audits currently placed on the contract maintenance industry. Learn more and access the survey at arsa.org/audit-survey.
Airworthiness Directive Compliance Survey
Take five or ten minutes to provide implementation information on specific ADs that will help assess the effectiveness of the AD ARC outputs. Learn more and access the survey at avmro.arsa.org/adarc.
Draft Working Away Advisory
Take a whole series of five minute intervals to review and comment on a draft advisory. ARSA developed this document in response to numerous member inquiries regarding 14 CFR § 145.203, working away from the fixed location. The advisory provides repair stations a “road map” to compliance but it needs input from the people that will use it. Get started at arsa.org/working-away.
Celebrate the Maintenance Workforce, Build its Future
Take five or ten minutes to celebrate the young, talented professionals already ensuring the safety of the global flying public. Know somebody who should be an example for the entire industry? Nominate them for the AMT Next Gen Awards at www.surveymonkey.com/s/AMTNextGenAwards.
Brett Levanto is director of operations of Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein, PLC managing firm and client communications in conjunction with regulatory and legislative policy initiatives. He provides strategic and logistical support for the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Associated Equipment Distributors and the Aviation Technician Education Council.
