Creed Poster Issue

One of my co-workers just handed me the "Aviation Mechanic's Creed" poster enclosed in the March 2005 issue. The first thing I noted was the prominent Rapco/AM/PAMA logos at the bottom. As an experienced Piper technician, I then admired the picture of the PA31 behind the logos.

I'm afraid that as a former Part 135 DOM operating PA31s, I then noted a relatively serious maintenance issue on the aircraft in the photograph. I would refer you to AD 93-23-13 which specifically references the flexible baffle material used on PA31 aircraft. It places specific interest on the upper FWD baffle & baffle material. I can assure you the upper baffle material installed on the #1 engine does not meet the requirements of the AD.

In typical GA maintenance/FAA bureaucracy fashion, unfortunately the AD does not reflect all of the story, which is that the aircraft built after the serial number range indicated in the AD were equipped from the factory with an upper FWD baffle assembly using the improved/approved baffle material. As the last PA31 was manufactured 20-plus years ago, the likelihood of this original material having been replaced is quite high, as is the likelihood that the need for the proper material/installation has been overlooked.

To the best of my knowledge, Piper has never addressed this issue formally (via SB or SL). Based on personal experience (as well as a published AD) the condition and sealing capabilities of this upper FWD baffle is extremely critical to proper operation of this particular engine installation.

Mark McDougle
AP/IA/PP-SEL

Looking at the photo, and reading the AD, it looks like you're saying that the original baffle material was replaced. And, it's hard to tell if it's the correct Brown Aviation material that was used. If it isn't the Brown material and isn't original from the factory, then obviously they haven't complied with the AD. Another way to look at this, however, is that the inspector isn't done inspecting this Navajo and has yet to comply with the AD. In truth, however, the folks at RAPCO, who generously sponsored the poster, said that the AD has been complied with. They Photoshopped the color of the baffle material to make the photo on the poster look better. Nevertheless, Mark, you have a sharp eye and I bet you are great inspector. -- Matt Thurber, Editor

Why People are Leaving

I read your editorial about maintenance schools. I agree with you 100% that the A&P school are behind the eight ball and the FAA needs to update their requirements on how schools teach their students. The industry should have more to say in the way the schools teach aircraft maintenance and repairs.

I do not agree with you on the fact that young people are not going into the industry for the reasons you talk about. I am sure you see what is going on with the industry. Look at U.S. airlines. All of them are taking away pay, no pensions. Look at Boeing contracting work overseas. Alaska Airlines closing down maintenance and repair stations and laying off 800 employees. You cannot make a good living working on aircraft. The industry or should I just say the well-to-do don't want to pay a livable wage to take care of multi-million dollar aircraft. They sure don't blink when they take their Jag in for repair and have to pay $85.00 an hour for work, do they? Let's just have all the work done in Mexico or Taiwan, it's cheaper.

I would tell any young person do not go in to the aircraft industry, just as I have told my two sons. There is no future in it at all.

We need people that write editorials and speak about what is really going on and stop putting frosting over a cake that is rotting from the inside out.

Carl Dahl
via email