"Attitudes" are always difficult to deal with but they can often be avoided.
If there's a discrepancy in your aircraft you are required to report it, i.e., write it up. This should be done always and always BEFORE you consult with maintainance. If the write up is already in the "can" when you bring the problem to the attention of MX, there will never be a need to debate whether or not is should be put there.
If the item can be deferred but you think that it should not be, the wording of your write up can be tailored to ensure that it isn't. Example: "Windshield dirty" --- may result in its being cleaned or not, whereas --- "Dirt on windshield impairs vision of pilots" --- will almost certainly result in a clean windshield. Sometimes its not what you say (write) but how you say it.
If there was no "prior history" of confrontations with the particular mechanic I would probably ignore the snide remark. If there was a history of similar attitudes from the same person, I'd chat with the CP. Assuming you have a good CP, he'll take care of it appropriately. Do not get yourself involved in direct confrontations.
Example 2. Pilot Write up = "Number 4 engine paramater indications abnormal".
Mechanic response = "Number 4 engine ground chk OK, all paramaters indicate normal."
Discussion --
Pilot - "You couldn't isolate the problem"?
Mechanic - "No. There's nothing wrong with the engine, those indications on #4 are normal."
Pilot - "OK, very sorry, apparently I didn't understand the problem. It's much worse than I thought. If you give me the "can" I'll correct it."
Pilot takes can and makes the following entry. "Above discrepancy entered in error", signs. Makes new entry = "Engines 1, 2 and 3 operating paramaters all indicating abnormal compared to normal indications of engine #4". - signed.
Result. Mechanic reads new writeup and throws can on ground, walking away. Minuetes later returns with helper, opens cowl on #4, works for approx 1 hour. Closes cowl, checks all engines. Makes following entry in can.
"Corrected and adjusted operating paramaters on engine #4. All four engines now indicating the same and normal. Problem was loose cannon plug. Tightened and secured. Aircraft released for flight."
Pilot to Mechanic -- "Thanks very much for your help. I'm glad it wasn't so serious after all."
End of story.
We all run into these little problems from time to time. In most cases a prudent Captain can work them out and avoid a confrontation, without "giving in". Mechanics and pilots both have "bad days", but there is no need for either one of us without the other.
Best wishes.
If there's a discrepancy in your aircraft you are required to report it, i.e., write it up. This should be done always and always BEFORE you consult with maintainance. If the write up is already in the "can" when you bring the problem to the attention of MX, there will never be a need to debate whether or not is should be put there.
If the item can be deferred but you think that it should not be, the wording of your write up can be tailored to ensure that it isn't. Example: "Windshield dirty" --- may result in its being cleaned or not, whereas --- "Dirt on windshield impairs vision of pilots" --- will almost certainly result in a clean windshield. Sometimes its not what you say (write) but how you say it.
If there was no "prior history" of confrontations with the particular mechanic I would probably ignore the snide remark. If there was a history of similar attitudes from the same person, I'd chat with the CP. Assuming you have a good CP, he'll take care of it appropriately. Do not get yourself involved in direct confrontations.
Example 2. Pilot Write up = "Number 4 engine paramater indications abnormal".
Mechanic response = "Number 4 engine ground chk OK, all paramaters indicate normal."
Discussion --
Pilot - "You couldn't isolate the problem"?
Mechanic - "No. There's nothing wrong with the engine, those indications on #4 are normal."
Pilot - "OK, very sorry, apparently I didn't understand the problem. It's much worse than I thought. If you give me the "can" I'll correct it."
Pilot takes can and makes the following entry. "Above discrepancy entered in error", signs. Makes new entry = "Engines 1, 2 and 3 operating paramaters all indicating abnormal compared to normal indications of engine #4". - signed.
Result. Mechanic reads new writeup and throws can on ground, walking away. Minuetes later returns with helper, opens cowl on #4, works for approx 1 hour. Closes cowl, checks all engines. Makes following entry in can.
"Corrected and adjusted operating paramaters on engine #4. All four engines now indicating the same and normal. Problem was loose cannon plug. Tightened and secured. Aircraft released for flight."
Pilot to Mechanic -- "Thanks very much for your help. I'm glad it wasn't so serious after all."
End of story.
We all run into these little problems from time to time. In most cases a prudent Captain can work them out and avoid a confrontation, without "giving in". Mechanics and pilots both have "bad days", but there is no need for either one of us without the other.
Best wishes.
