In the recent past I have written about the importance of mechanics following the procedures contained in the appropriate manuals for whatever task that needs to be accomplished. That’s not new advice; it is something every certified aircraft mechanic heard on the first day of instruction. The mechanics who obtained their certificates as part of their military training and experience have heard the same warning about the necessity of following the published procedures.
The Federal Air Regulations require all maintenance performed on any aircraft or component–including engines, propellers and instruments–to be accomplished in accordance with the published procedures. The FARs require the manufacturer of an aircraft, engine, propeller, instrument or any other item installed on an aircraft to provide instructions for continued airworthiness. I have been vocal about the fact that some of the procedures provided by the manufacturers do not accurately describe the steps necessary to accomplish the task. I also know of one manufacturer that knowingly published procedures that were inaccurate or incomplete and waited for the maintenance professionals to identify and report the problems, often with the required corrections, making it much easier for the manufacturer to implement the revision.
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