As more and more new technicians join the aviation maintenance workforce, it’s crucial for them to learn best practices that may not be clearly outlined in a textbook. 

To discuss some of these key processes and tools for new mechanics, Roxanne Rosado—A&P, IA, FISDO liaison and Head of Airworthiness for TBX—recently joined the Aviation Pros Podcast and shared expert advice from her years of experience managing mechanics and keeping planes airworthy. 

What advice can help new mechanics succeed? 

When asked what standards and processes she prioritizes while managing mechanics and teaching them industry best practices, Rosado highlighted safety first. She said, “Know what you're doing, read the procedure, ask questions if you have not done something before.” 

Rosado continued, “I love to print the procedure, highlight the notes, the gotchas…take notes. And truly stop if anything doesn't feel right, look right, sound right.” 

She advised, “Read the procedure prior to starting the work, gather your tools so you have a really good guess of what you're going to need to avoid the back-and-forth to the toolbox or to get some social tooling out of a cabinet.” 

“All those things not only save time but also make the workflow a lot smoother and less clunky, as steps can be missed when you're stepping in and out of the work so much,” added Rosado. 

Rosado noted, “If you’re also in charge of the paperwork, keep it clean, keep it organized. It goes such a long way for project organization, and you and your head to know where everything is at.” 

“It's a messy job, and it can be a messy day in your toolbox, but to put a little bit of extra effort in that sense goes such a long way,” stressed Rosado. 

She continued, “Logbook entries are amongst my top as well, because while everybody has a different style to their logbook entries, whether it's me overseeing somebody's work or it's just them performing the work, it is their signature at the end of that logbook.” 

Rosado touched on some key requirements she has for a technician regarding logbooks, such as:  

• Use proper grammar 
• Avoid vague discrepancies or resolutions 
• Be clear and concise on what you did 
• Don’t include actions you did not do 
• Include parts traceability data (part number, serial number, etc.)  
• Remember the 8130 form 

“If you use technical data—which I really hope you are—reference it in your log entry,” urged Rosado. 

She stressed, “It may seem like it's taking so much time to include so much information, but it does pay off at the end of the day.” 

 I've read enough logbook entries in my time auditing and managing airplanes that I’ll continue to harp on this because it may seem like the basics and the bare minimum, but there are still some gaps that need to be filled for sure,” Rosado added. 

How can AMTs use AI solutions and new technology responsibly? 

As more and more AI-powered systems and tools arise in aviation, maintenance organizations can benefit only when using them in responsible ways. 

Rosado said, “With maintenance still being such a hands-on profession, when you start implementing these kinds of tools—because they are good tools—they have their purpose, they have their place.” 

She continued, “[However,] don’t search for technical answers in there first. You've got FAA-approved data, you've got technical manuals, you've got all the technical resources, you’ve got the experienced technician right next to you. Rely on those sources first and foremost. Do not go ask AI: how do I repair this?” 

Rosado explained, “To me, the biggest concern is the regulatory questions, because the AI is pulling from pre-existing sources from the internet and giving you what it believes is a good answer. I’ve caught mistakes because it's mixing aviation regulations with automotive regulations.” 

How Roxanne’s Rules can help new technicians succeed  

When discussing best practices for newer AMTs, Rosado highlighted excerpts from her piece Roxanne’s Rules: 25 Career Principles Every Aviation Mechanic Should Live By. 

Rosado first emphasized the first rule: Being a mechanic starts by being a good person. She said, “This industry is full of great and wonderful people, and it's also filled with people who can be a little bit more challenging to work with, just like any other job. Personalities clash, opinions can clash.” 

Rosado noted, “I truly believe that you can have the most significant impact on someone that's new to the craft or somebody who’s your contemporary in the industry by just how you treat them.”  

She stressed, “A tough day in aviation can be a very, very tough day. How you treat each other through those times is such a key to what can make a good shop, a good working relationship.” 

Rosado also highlighted Rule #16: Trust your gut on safety. 

She explained, “There's not a dumb question because you could be one ‘dumb question’ away from making a mistake that could be costly in extreme ways.” 

“If it only takes a pause to chat with somebody who can give you a good explanation and save you from the hassle, save an aircraft and asset a person, just do it, just take a step back,” advised Rosado. 

The last rule Rosado touched on was #25: Remember what’s at stake. 

Rosado said, “You should never feel complacent when things go your way, day after day. A skilled mechanic can feel very comfortable in their skills, and it comes with experience.”  

“But your skill and attention to your work is what gets you through the task at hand,” she added, “Don't let the wrong kind of confidence sneak up on you, whether you’re 40 years into your career or three months into your career.” 

“The next person on that airplane could be a16-year-old,” Rosado illustrated, “It could be your pilot friend who you just signed this work for him to go fly. Or it could be an owner with his family, who’s been bringing his airplane to you for years and years because they trust you and you've got that relationship.” 

“It could even be yourself if you're the mechanic that's going to hop on that plane and go do a post-maintenance flight,” she offered, “When you remind yourself of that as much as you can, it can really humble your mindset and make you slow down quite a bit.” 

What veteran mechanics can do to help new AMTs 

Rosado closed by touching on the importance of mentorship for AMTs just beginning their careers. 

To veteran mechanics, Rosado advised, “Hopefully, we’re in a time where you’re able to teach with the goal of passing on knowledge and understanding, not just providing the quick answer so the job can move on.” 

She continued, “Take the opportunity to develop the apprentices into capable technicians that will stay when you retire and hang your wrenches.” 

“As opportunities arise, share the lessons, the techniques, all those practical insights that are gained through years of hands-on experience,” concluded Rosado.