Blog Archives
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An Aircraft Technician’s Bill of Rights
- Tuesday November 22, 2011You know, many times things are so obvious you can’t see the trees for the forest. Well, just the other day I caught a glimpse of Senator Jim Inhofe’s, (R-OK) proposed legislation for a Pilot’s Bill of Rights. OK, I said to myself, that’s a good idea and from what I read in the bill, I am for it. But, and you know what’s coming next, I have not heard or seen anything that relates to a similar piece of legislation for aircraft technicians. And, why not? Again, most of you know the answer. There are no clear national goals, directions, support systems, efforts etc., for upgrading the status of aircraft technicians in our industry. Supported by 24 senators, EAA and AOPA, this legislation ensures that the FAA treats pilots in a... -
Director's Viewpoint: Business Aviation
By Nick Sergi - Monday October 31, 2011When I exited active duty from the Marine Corp, being single, I had many choices for a civilian career. While I enjoyed my military life, I had had enough spit shines and Brasso. Rather, I looked for a career in civil aviation. I did have the chance to work for UAL as a pilot but I always and will continue to view this as no more than a bus service. While paying well, it did not offer the excitement and personal opportunities for which I was looking. Business aviation did this, and this year’s NBAA, being my 38th, proved me right. As an emerging enterprise, business aviation had many difficulties, not the least of which was public perception of the safety and uses of business aircraft. The National Business Aviation, (nee Aircraft... -
Fatigue
By Nick Sergi - Thursday May 19, 2011Recently I took the opportunity to attend an aviation training conference presented close by in Orlando by Civil Aviation Training Magazine. This is an annual meeting and it consists of several tracks, including one concerned with maintenance training. I was able to attend the seminar moderated by Bill Johnson, the FAA's Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor. Bill is a PhD who has been working with aviation folks for as long as I can remember. Some of his other work includes a significant study on how technicians can better troubleshoot, and comprehensive work on maintenance resource management, to name a few. His work relating to fatigue within the maintenance workplace could not be more important. As you all have heard the FAA... -
An Update: The House Bill and Unions
By Nick Sergi - Thursday April 7, 2011It's interesting how things some times come together. My last blog explored the idea of unionization. In fact, there were many inputs to the subject and I would like to thank all those who submitted an opinion. It is apparent that there is something in the subject that is of interest to our readers and it does not take a mind reader to figure it out. Each and every response indicated in some way an overdue need for an organization to represent professional aircraft technicians. A few favored a union, while most decried the idea of a union. Aircraft technicians are known to be non-joiners. Regardless, just this week the House of Representatives passed its version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. One of the amendments in the bill overrides... -
Unionization
By Nick Sergi - Thursday March 24, 2011As we are too well aware, this recession has been tough on almost every one, except the fat cats on Wall Street that make money with our money. Am I making a statement here? I guess I am. I marvel at the injustice of a guy sitting at a computer seeing how many times he can move other people's money, to generate commissions for himself, while a hard working responsible technician is out in the cold doing a necessary repair so that operations can continue. And this technician is ultimately responsible for the airworthiness of the aircraft, and the safety and lives of its crew and passengers. It's not fair, but as we all know, life's not fair. So where am I going with this? Previously I have written several blogs and editorials promoting... -
Various Comments to Start the New Year
By Nick Sergi - Thursday January 27, 2011As we begin 2011, a year that will have more rare date sequences using the Number 1, I am reminded of the famous French proverb, which, in brief, states, "everything changes, everything remains the same," so too, with the aviation industry and its aircraft maintenance professionals. As we start this new decade, aviation is on the threshold of some of the most important technological advances in recent history. Most of these relate to digital electronics, fly-by-wire, advanced computer-based cockpits and composites. Is the professional workforce that comprises most A&Ps and IAs ready for this? Take for instance composites, and the new Dreamliner. Why this aircraft? While it has had its delivery problems, 787 manufacture will...
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