My guest today helps you and I to travel across the globe. He is an Aircraft maintenance technician, also known as an Airframe and power plant mechanic.
A fascinating, often technical conversation which will open your eyes to the world of commercial aviation maintenance, which we all rely on for the safety of our aircraft, taking us to the destinations we love and back home safely. He is based in Maryland USA and his name is Jeffrey Linares.
Episode Highlights
- [03:35] - Licensed for 15 years.
- [04:39] - when changing company, have to start over in lower seniority
- [05:54] - works on both Boeing and Airbus aircraft models
- [06:35] - Safety of both comparable, Airbus easier to work on, more maintenance friendly. Fault isolation better. Cockpit computer can self diagnose.
- [08:14] - Both generally as reliable. Airbus A320 vs Boeing 737. Workhorses of short haul flights. 737 rarely comes back to the gate. Airbus more comfortable for most passengers.
- [09:44] - Integrity of airframe the same on both.
- [10:34] - 5,500km range perfect for flights under 6 hours, prominent planes in our skies.
- [11:17] - Experience needed to work in your capacity? Schooling short. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires 2160 hours of classroom & practical training. 3 different exams done on a computer. Oral and practical on all 3 sections.
- [13:45] - What is involved in the practical part?
- [15:43] - What advice for someone wanting to train in this field?
- [17:06] - Training costs around $30,000 U.S, inc books / classroom time but not testing.
- [18:33] - Social dynamics / Shop culture of the job.
- [21:36] - cultural differences & pride can interfere with job being done safely.
- [24:27] - Amazon have many of the Boeing 767, servicing these planes is difficult. Older airplane uses antiquated technology. Compares it to old Ford or beat up Chevy.
- [25:00] - Airbus more digital airplane, Boeing less automated. Boeing still use cables for flight controls Vs. hydraulic actuators, more efficient way to fly.
- [26:15] - Will we move over to planes with more automation? Newer models of Boeing, 787 / 777 / 747-8 more advanced.
- [27:30] - Routine Daily check. Oils, filters, differential pressure indicators, tyres, brakes, leaks, no dents on airframe and wings. General overview electronically.
- [29:47] - Basic visual inspection takes ~ 20 minutes.
- [31:54] - How can certain crashes be avoided in future? Redundant systems and pilots being trained differently in future. Additional checks for maintenance.
- [35:24] - Do all pitot tubes have to agree? Speaks about margin of error.
- [38:20] - "Did I fit that bolt correctly?!"
- [40:58] - Has a plane you or colleagues worked on never come back safely?
- [42:52] - Stats on air travel are good. Passenger mile travelled flying much more safe.
- [44:40] - Examples of redundant systems
- [46:28] - Mutually exclusive redundant systems
- [49:22] - flying on RAT, last resort!
- [49:50] - Working under time pressure. Punctuality vs safety
- [51:54] - Not safe to fly vs pressure from management
- [52:53] - "Would you put your family on this plane?"
- [55:20] - Repairs in categories of urgency
- [58:36] - Has your industry been affected by COVID-19?
- [01:01:35] - How are you as a passenger? Less nervous or not?
- [01:04:22] - DUCT tape over the engine?! No, that's high speed tape!
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