Chapter 13
Mechanic Privileges & Limitations
- Young engineer (newly hired) feels intimidated by senior level engineer.
- Early brake failure during development testing is excused away because “they are not representative of the final design.”
- A company culture of intimidation and distrust.
Most of these conflicts could have easily occurred in the maintenance realm if the specifics are broadened, even a little.
- Change the word “engineer” to “maintenance technician.”
- Instead of brake failure during development testing, think of component test failure (with the shop norm of “we don’t follow the manual on this step; we have developed our own (unauthorized) procedure here.”)
- The existence of a company culture of intimidation and distrust transcends all lines of business.
For a company to nurture a healthy ethical climate and long-term success, the element of trust is fundamental both inside and outside the organization. This trust boosts employee morale and usually boosts productivity and, therefore, profitability. It also aids and enhances long-term business relationships with customers and vendors.
When differences of opinion do exist, ethical organizations pay close attention to those who are dissenting. Those companies that are committed to promoting an ethical climate encourage rather than punish dialogue and debate about policies and practices.
It is encouraging to note that more and more institutions of learning, whether business schools or technical colleges, are adding ethics courses into their required curriculum. More and more organizations are developing a corporate “code of ethics.” Some are using the following seven-step checklist to help employees deal with an ethical decision:
- Recognize and clarify the dilemma.
- Get all the possible facts.
- List options—all of them.
- Test each option by asking such questions as: —Is it legal? —Is it right? —Is it beneficial?
- Make your decision.
- Double check your decision by asking: —How would I feel if my family found out about this? —How would I feel if my decision is printed in the local newspaper?
- Take action (Schermerhorn 1989).
Finally, the technician is encouraged to read the following code of ethics developed by Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA), Inc. and consider adopting it as their own.
“As a certified technician, my performance is a public service and, as such, I have a responsibility to the United States Government and its citizens. I must ensure that all citizens have confidence in my integrity, and that I will perform my work according to the highest principles of ethical conduct. Therefore, I swear that I shall hold in sacred trust the rights and privileges conferred upon me as a certified technician. The safety and lives of others are dependent on my skill and judgment; therefore, I shall never knowingly subject others to risks which I would not be willing to assume for myself or those who are dear to me.”
“As a certified technician, I am aware that it is not possible to have knowledge and skill in every aspect of aviation maintenance for every airplane, so I pledge that I will never undertake work or approve work which I believe to be beyond the limits of my knowledge. I shall not allow any superior to persuade me to approve aircraft or equipment as airworthy when there is doubt in my mind as to the validity of my action. Under no circumstances will I permit the offer of money or other personal favors to influence me to act contrary to my best judgment, nor to pass as airworthy aircraft or equipment about which I am in doubt.”
“The responsibility that I have accepted as a certified technician demands that I exercise my judgment on the airworthiness of aircraft and equipment; therefore, I pledge unyielding adherence to these precepts for the advancement of aviation and for the dignity of my vocation.”