We’ve probably all used the term "hangar rash" at one time or another to describe so-called “minor incidents” of damage. Usually the term refers to damage from moving aircraft in the hangar, but it can also refer to other incidents on the ground that cause minor damage. I have used that term myself without giving it a second thought. Until now. But as I look at several ground incidents that have happened lately with some fixed based operators, I’m beginning to think that term may be part of the problem. Referring to these events as hangar rash tends to minimize an expensive and potentially safety-critical problem.
One of the incidents that got me thinking about these words looked like fairly minor damage on the outside of one particular corporate jet. But it had significant consequences because of the location of the damage through the pressure vessel. The repair required approved engineering data and an FAA 337 major repair form, which becomes part of the aircraft’s permanent maintenance records. It can have a significant impact on the resale value of the aircraft. So even though the damage looked “minor” and the aircraft could be made airworthy readily and relatively inexpensively, the location of the damage through the pressure vessel and subsequent patch could significantly lower the value of the airplane to potential buyers. A minor incident with not-so-minor consequences can hardly be considered an innocuous sounding “rash.”
With more than 40 years experience in the aviation industry, The Honorable John Goglia, was the first and only Airframe and Powerplant mechanic to receive a presidential appointment to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He served from August 1995 to June 2004.
As a Board Member, Mr. Goglia distinguished himself in numerous areas of transportation safety. In particular, he was instrumental in raising awareness of airport safety issues, including the importance of airport crash fire and rescue operations and the dangers of wildlife at airports. He played a key role in focusing international attention on the increasing significance of aircraft maintenance in aviation accidents. He pressed, successfully, for greater integration of civilian and military safety information, becoming a featured speaker at national aviation symposiums attended by military leaders and major defense contractors. He is a leading proponent of airplane child safety seats.
Prior to becoming a Board Member, Mr. Goglia held numerous positions in the airline industry. He started as a mechanic for United Airlines and eventually joined Allegheny, which became USAir. Additionally, he was involved for more than 20 years as a union flight safety representative on accident investigation teams. There, he developed a safety program for his union, the International Association of Machinists, and was its representative for NTSB investigations. For twelve years, he operated his own aircraft service company.
Numerous prestigious groups have recognized Mr. Goglia’s contributions to aviation safety. Aviation Week & Space Technology awarded him a coveted 2004 Laurel for his outstanding service as an NTSB Board member. The Society of Automotive Engineers presented him with the Aerospace Chair Award for outstanding leadership in 2003 and the Marvin Whitlock Award for outstanding management accomplishment in 2002.
More In Safety
