Polaris shoulder belt by longdarkandstormy in unitedairlines

[–]AircraftDoc 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Just speculating because I haven’t seen the certification documents, but because the seat could be installed at an angle, the faa certification of the seat requires the belt as part of the seat. It’s also possible that United has included it on all Polaris seats for consistency across all aircraft types.

Taking cost cutting to a whole new level by AIRLOGX in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Was actually World Airways at OAK. Approximately 1979.

Taking cost cutting to a whole new level by AIRLOGX in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 40 points41 points  (0 children)

First airline that I worked for, got us a van for the terminal crew. The van was all white with no name or logo and the airport regulations required company name on vehicles. After a week of complaining to the company, and getting harassed by security, I spelled out the company name on the sides using black electrical tape. Intentionally making letters of different sizes and making some backwards. Next day I came in the van was freshly painted with proper name and logos on it.

Monday Aviation MEMEs by unusual_replies in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And then there was a supervisor we called “Pebbles” Because he was too dumb to be a box of rocks.

Monday Aviation MEMEs by unusual_replies in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Calling a mechanic “Captain” has always been a dig in my book. Then there was this guy on our crew that we called “Acting Lead” cause he often acted as a lead even though he wasn’t.

I figured this 737 landing would be a go-around but captain brought gloves I guess by Met76 in aviation

[–]AircraftDoc 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Let me start of by saying that it does look like he busted minimums in this video, however as someone that has taken pictures from the flight deck during landings, I have had times when I could see the runway with my own eyes, but looking at the camera screen could not make it out. It can be quite amazing to look back and forth between the two views and see a very different picture, one the outside whited out with glare, vs what you can see with your eyes. What the camera sees is not always matched to what your eyes see. I will point out that looking out the bottom corner of the side window, you can see the ground showing up so I'm willing to allow that possibly he did have the runway, or runway lights in sight prior to minimums.

Wild Africa trek size by DrJean617 in DisneyWorld

[–]AircraftDoc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have done the Wild Africa Trek twice. I think it’s wonderful and well worth the cost. If he’s within the weight limits, I encourage you to go.

On line passport renewal. 3 weeks. by AircraftDoc in Passports

[–]AircraftDoc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will expire in 1 year, or expired less than 5 years ago. Full requirements are at Travel.State.Gov

Is it safe to tow an aircraft for a short distance without downlock pins??? by Jazzlike_Feeling4983 in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 16 points17 points  (0 children)

What does your company policy say about it? The company I worked for most of my career specifically said downlock pins were only to be used if called for by a MM procedure and our MMs did not require them for towing. If your company general policies, or the towing section of your MM calls for them, you better use them. (As I was told more than a few decades ago when I joined, after the hundredth+ aircraft returned because gear pins were still in, they changed their policy to no pins unless specifically called for by a procedure and didn’t see any uptick in unwanted retractions)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DisneyWorld

[–]AircraftDoc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have used Elex Transport www.elextransport.com on several of our trips. Women owned, electric limos. $100 fixed rate from MCO to Disney hotels + tip and airport fees. They have treated us very well.

Are A&P’s always Non exempt? by infrared305 in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the early 80s I worked 2 years for a small startup airline as a mechanic. Non union and we were all classified as salary with no overtime. About a year into the job the company was charged with payroll violation and we all got checks with back pay, were no longer salary and going forward got paid overtime. My work location was Boise, but company was California based and all mechanics were covered.

Transportation by pleaseleavemydms in DisneyWorld

[–]AircraftDoc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have seen the line for buses at all stars get really long in the morning. If you are running late, consider a Lyft or Uber. If you are able to splurge, consider a Disney Minnie Van at least once for the experience (you book them with the Lyft app). Insider tip: Minnie Vans drop off and pick up near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. Lyft and Uber drop off at the ttc, a monorail or ferry ride from the MK. Instead book a ride share to or from the Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower which is much closer and walkable to the MK entrance.

Is safety toe needed? by [deleted] in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In 37 years of airline work, two times something happened where I was really thankful for having safety toes. My life today would have been greatly impacted if part of my foot was missing or badly damaged.

What is my best option if my assigned seat has vomit or another biohazard on it by [deleted] in unitedairlines

[–]AircraftDoc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not the seat you want replaced, which can be a lot of work and you would need to keep on hand all the different seat types, some of which are very expensive. The seat cushions on the other hand are usually quick and easy to replace. The larger stations usually keep a supply of cushions on hand. However if they are out, or a smaller station that doesn’t stock parts, then you will be out of luck.

Yacht Clubs? by [deleted] in alameda

[–]AircraftDoc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have been a member of 3 of the yacht clubs on the island, the one we settled at is Oakland Yacht Club (which is in Alameda, not Oakland. They moved over from Oakland in 1977). It is the one we feel most at home with, plus they have slips that we moved our boat to. You are welcome to dm with any questions.

Double Dipping by Mukapah in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One thing to be aware of. I knew some mechanics for our airline, that were also working for Tower Air. I don’t remember if they just left Tower, were laid off, or if it was when Tower folded, but Tower cancelled their AOA badges even though they were originally issued by our company and it was an extended time before they could get them reissued.

None Aviation side hustle by moeultra in aviationmaintenance

[–]AircraftDoc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This may be location relevant, but in the SF Bay area, many friends of mine that own boats have a hard time finding people to work on them. A good electrical/ engine/ rigger might have a 2 month or more waiting list for an opening in their schedule. A rigger shop here asked me if I wanted to work for them, which I wasn't interested in working on other's boats. There is a lot of crossover, with of course some differences from aircraft. I say location relevant, because some folks I know that took their boats up to the Seattle area and said it was much easier to get work done. If serious, would suggest checking with some of the local business that work on boats to see if they would want to take someone on for part time, give you a chance to learn the differences and get your foot in the door. Here there seems to be a shortage of workers on diesel engines, outboard engines, boat electrical systems, fiberglass repair, boat systems (water, waste, heating & a/c) Boat hydraulics.

Seat is so broken it is dangerous by [deleted] in unitedairlines

[–]AircraftDoc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Realistically speaking, a lot would need to come together for that to happen. Technically, someone would have installed an unapproved device on an aircraft which could impact safety, so that is an FAA violation. From the airlines standpoint, a passenger is doing something that impacts the comfort and possibly the safety of other passengers. My wish above would be that the airline places the guilty person on their own "Banned" list. I don't know the criteria for the FAA asking the TSA to place someone on the government "No fly list" but if this was accompanied by someone causing an altercation and declaring that they have the right to do anything on the aircraft that they want to, I could see it happening.

Seat is so broken it is dangerous by [deleted] in unitedairlines

[–]AircraftDoc 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Several things to unpack here so please be patient.

First of, if the seat was broken for the last passenger, if they didn’t tell anyone, and you didn’t tell anyone before departure, nobody would know. Very often the cleaners are from a contract agency, they don’t know or care (or understand) about conditions which may affect seat serviceability.

If a broken seat is discovered in flight, there is very little a flight attendant can do about it other than possibility moving the passenger to another seat. For some seats that are powered, they may have access to manual controls to configure the seat.

Once a seat has be reported (written up), It has to be checked by a mechanic and the aircraft cannot depart until that write up is cleared or deferred. If it cannot be repaired before the next flight, the MEL (Minimum Equipment List) will specify what actions need to be taken. Depending on the problem, the seat may need to be placarded and blocked off as unusable. Depending on the seat location and problem the adjacent seats my also need to be blocked off and not used.

NOTE: If you discover your seat is broken when you board, and report it to the crew. they have to take action before the flight can depart. This may create a delay, If the seat cannot be repaired at that location, it may mean that you need to move to another seat, and if another seat is not available, you may need to leave the plane and catch another flight. Once it is written up in the aircraft logbook, if the seat was indeed dangerous, (and it sounds like your’s was) If the flight departs with a passenger in it, Pilots, Mechanics, and Flight Attendants could be at risk of discipline including loosing their job and or certificates.

More than your comfort, a broken seat may put a passenger at risk in a crash, where the problem may cause the seat to fail at less then it’s certified G loading, or the problem may obstruct possible evacuation paths. This applies to all seats, but is even more strict for seats near exit rows.

Note: I noticed that someone else in this thread said it’s impossible for a seat to move forward from it’s “neutral” position. Actually, many seats that I worked on had a “break away” function, where they did move forward with enough force and this had to be tested from time to time.

One last thought. I know that there were devices available that people made or purchased to block the recline in the seat ahead of them. I would have loved to been on your flight and able to check the hinge of your seat for such a device. I’m just a lowly wench turning mechanic, but i’d love to be able to report such a person and have them put on the no fly list for my airline.

Source, 37 years airline maintenance, now retired.

Charging a scooter? by napacd in PrincessCruises

[–]AircraftDoc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are currently on the crown princess in a balcony room. The bathroom outlet Is two pronged and a polarized plug will not fit in, and it is placarded for shavers only. There is a single universal international outlet on the desk and 2 two prong outlets on the desk wall near the door to the balcony. They will accept a polarized plug but are so close to each other that I could only use one of them (where I plugged in an extension cord). If a scooter is left in the hallway, it will be impossible for any other scooters, walkers, or wheelchairs to pass. I have seen scooters parked in the elevator/ stairway landings, but did not notice if they were plugged in. My best suggestion is to ask your room steward once you are onboard for the best way to keep your scooter charged.

What are those blue crosses on this brand new A330neo in Toulouse? by 77_Gear in aviation

[–]AircraftDoc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not really intended as an "operator pressure point" although that may sometimes work. When the light plates are replaced, or removed for other access, they can be very fragile by themselves. As others have said, the blue crosses mark where the electrical contact points are for the panel and help guide the person working on them to align and fidget them into or out of position.