Ken MacTiernan
Veteran
Do You?
This is a very simple question that requires a serious answer. But before you mentally search for potential replies allow me to specify the realm of this question. As AMTs what we do and do not do in our every day duties tells a lot about who we are, and in turn reflects on our craft as a whole.
Do you feel that you are always trying to raise the standards by which we hold our profession to? This is something that every AMT should view as a way of advancing our craft. By adhering to correct maintenance manual references and using standard practices when called upon is one way of elevating these standards. Do you?
When working on an aircraft, whether it is on the ramp or in a hangar, do you ensure the work area is clean when you are finished? Do you leave safety wire, old hardware, rags, etc. lying on the ground assuming that someone will clean up after you? Do you leave an oil bowser empty after using it, or do you fill it when you are done? How about replacing work stands and ladders back to where they should be stored after you are done with them? Do you?
Are you concerned about the image the public has of our craft as it is portrayed through television, movies and news stories? Do you feel this image is positive or negative? If you feel it is negative how do you present yourself to coworkers and the public? Are you a slob? Do you wear your shirt hanging out, dirty sneakers, discolored pants and shirt, hair uncombed and unshaven? Do you?
When finished with a job assignment do you ask fellow AMTs if they need assistance or do you go and sit down somewhere? When asked for your opinion on a specific problem and how to repair a discrepancy do you make an effort to help or do you just point to the M.M.? Do you view yourself as part of a team of professionals within your work group or an individual only concerned with your work load? Do you offer guidance to new hires who ask for it? Do you?
If an aircraft is parked in a hangar and you see it is not properly grounded do you walk past the aircraft or do you make an attempt to ground the aircraft? If an AMT is working unsafe do you remind them they are doing so and that they should always work safe? Do you allow yourself to be pressured by management, or an aircraft owner, to do something without the proper equipment or correct manpower to accomplish a specific task? Do you?
I ask the question of “Do you?†in order to remind ourselves of the reasons why we became AMTs. By asking ourselves these questions we continuously look at how we perform our responsibilities in providing safe, airworthy aircraft and how we present ourselves to our coworkers and the public. By possessing knowledge, skill and integrity in every facet of our job we ensure the future for our craft and profession. We have inherited a proud craft by those who came before us who asked themselves these questions. Their positive answers enabled us to become stewards of a highly skilled and respected profession. It is our responsibility to answer as these AMTs did so those coming after us can continue the tradition of professionalism and pride that our craft is known for.
What do you think? Let me know if you agree or disagree.
This is a very simple question that requires a serious answer. But before you mentally search for potential replies allow me to specify the realm of this question. As AMTs what we do and do not do in our every day duties tells a lot about who we are, and in turn reflects on our craft as a whole.
Do you feel that you are always trying to raise the standards by which we hold our profession to? This is something that every AMT should view as a way of advancing our craft. By adhering to correct maintenance manual references and using standard practices when called upon is one way of elevating these standards. Do you?
When working on an aircraft, whether it is on the ramp or in a hangar, do you ensure the work area is clean when you are finished? Do you leave safety wire, old hardware, rags, etc. lying on the ground assuming that someone will clean up after you? Do you leave an oil bowser empty after using it, or do you fill it when you are done? How about replacing work stands and ladders back to where they should be stored after you are done with them? Do you?
Are you concerned about the image the public has of our craft as it is portrayed through television, movies and news stories? Do you feel this image is positive or negative? If you feel it is negative how do you present yourself to coworkers and the public? Are you a slob? Do you wear your shirt hanging out, dirty sneakers, discolored pants and shirt, hair uncombed and unshaven? Do you?
When finished with a job assignment do you ask fellow AMTs if they need assistance or do you go and sit down somewhere? When asked for your opinion on a specific problem and how to repair a discrepancy do you make an effort to help or do you just point to the M.M.? Do you view yourself as part of a team of professionals within your work group or an individual only concerned with your work load? Do you offer guidance to new hires who ask for it? Do you?
If an aircraft is parked in a hangar and you see it is not properly grounded do you walk past the aircraft or do you make an attempt to ground the aircraft? If an AMT is working unsafe do you remind them they are doing so and that they should always work safe? Do you allow yourself to be pressured by management, or an aircraft owner, to do something without the proper equipment or correct manpower to accomplish a specific task? Do you?
I ask the question of “Do you?†in order to remind ourselves of the reasons why we became AMTs. By asking ourselves these questions we continuously look at how we perform our responsibilities in providing safe, airworthy aircraft and how we present ourselves to our coworkers and the public. By possessing knowledge, skill and integrity in every facet of our job we ensure the future for our craft and profession. We have inherited a proud craft by those who came before us who asked themselves these questions. Their positive answers enabled us to become stewards of a highly skilled and respected profession. It is our responsibility to answer as these AMTs did so those coming after us can continue the tradition of professionalism and pride that our craft is known for.
What do you think? Let me know if you agree or disagree.
When we go to Wal-Mart and buy a new American flag to fly on Memorial day, and it has a small label it that says " Made in China", I think that says it all!
