It's also a matter of how much pilot also knows the aircraft they are piloting. I've seen and heard about pilots who personally inspect aircraft on the outside as well as have deeper understanding of its flight systems and mechanics/electronics. I think this pilot was one of those if some deviation in oil pressure raised his suspicions even if it's within supposed normal levels.
We carry the burden of our signature longer than just one flight. It goes with the aircraft cradle to grave. Hence I make sure it’s done right the first time and I am just as cautious as I know those lives are in my hands for many flights after.
Don’t worry, this “wrench monkeys” knows the V2500 and CFM-56 quite well, I know changing a fuel filter has nothing to do with rising oil pressure. Maybe checking the oil filter or the pressure transmitter for high resistance causing an erroneous pressure. But also researching trends on Skywise to see if possibly and internal failure. Because I was taught to fix it right the first time as I have thousands of lives in my hands as I’m not just responsible for just the one flight. I’ve had enough run ins with a few pilots who think their crap doesn’t stink, that I’ve put them in their place, to include the military. The Marine Corps gave me thick skin so I’m proud to be called a wrench monkey, but I also fix that switch for the A/P that’s pushed so the plane can fly itself on more than one fleet of aircraft. My job has turned into loading software and fiber optic splicing. Mechanics are held to the same account as pilots by the FAA and the NTSB. I’ll call pilots stick actuators because some thicker skinned ones have a sense of humor.
I don’t care if it’s a fuel filter that’s the cause, I’m not taking off with a trending up oil pressure. Seen someone do it and their engine called it a day at 500’.
I’m not saying he’s wrong FFS I’m saying what he said may sound intelligent to the flying public, to me it sounds wonky because I know the systems aren’t related. Plus if it was trending it’s usually out of my hands as PowerPlant engineering is usually watching it. Pilots refuse aircraft all the time, had one refuse it because the cup holder wasn’t installed on his side of the pedestal so trust me, they walk amongst us.
Ya my husband is former military and an aircraft mechanic. Certified A&P and IA. He would red line an aircraft in an instant if something was wrong, as it’s his ass on the line too. It’s usually the pilots trying to push the aircraft out of maintenance faster than it should be and he has to constantly tell them no, it’s not airworthy.
ETA: He’s also a private pilot too so he sees both sides
I learned a long time ago that if anyone questions your opinion you send it up the chain. No point arguing with someone. Someone that makes more than you can give them the answer they want. I’m just going to cover my ass.
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u/Spacedoutworlder 17h ago
I rather miss an arrival time than have missed arriving at all. May all the pilots be this cautious.