This animation features a conversation between the Director of Maintenance and Operations Control.

Graphic Description

Audio

Split screen of Suzanne and Jim with a graphic of a phone imposed over the composite image.

<Sound of a phone ringing.>

The phone graphic is removed.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

Operations Control. This is Jim.

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

Hi, Jim. This is Suzanne, the Director of Maintenance. Listen, we’ve got an issue over here with a 767 that’s scheduled to fly to London soon. I’m calling to let you know that the plane won’t be airworthy by the scheduled departure time.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

This is a joke, right?

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

I wish it were.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

What’s the problem?

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

We found some non-routine wire repairs that must be addressed. Under a recent AD, we have to replace some marginal wire in the fuel tank boost pumps and then install sleeves over those wires. The AMTs have been working hard to get that done, but it doesn’t look like they're going to get it finished in time.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

I don’t think we can find a replacement. We really have to have that plane. Can’t you just install the sleeves for now? We could bring the plane right back and deal with the non-routine wires as quickly as the aircraft returns.

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

Not under the AD. It requires the wires to be replaced before its next flight.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

Do you have any idea what the financial impact of this is going to be? Can’t you work with me here?

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

I understand where you’re coming from. No one wants the company to lose money. But I certainly don’t want to be responsible for fines, bad press, the loss of an aircraft, or worse.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

Are you sure just installing the sleeves won’t work. It’s two flights we’re talking about here. We’ve done stuff like that before in low-risk situations and the FAA hasn’t caught us.

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

Yet.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

What?

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

I said “yet.” They haven’t caught us yet. Besides, that’s not the point. Pilots and aircrew members are expected to follow procedures. You and I both know that procedural adherence applies to everyone. Heck, that’s our big safety campaign – to change the culture around here.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

Well, it does apply to everyone. It’s just that, well, you know...

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

Look, I get it. Doing the right thing can be inconvenient. But every level of maintenance is committed to following procedures. And because of that, we simply cannot release this aircraft back into service. If I thought there was another workable, safe solution, I’d be all for it.

The photo of Jim highlights.

[Jim]

<Sighs> It sounds like your folks have really tried to get the plane out. And it’s true that getting the job done right the first time is keeping the company’s bottom line in mind. OK, I’ll see what I can do about getting a replacement plane.

The photo of Suzanne highlights.

[Suzanne]

Thanks, Jim.