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Mistakes are extremely rare, given the mix of wrench-turners and proficiency levels; by week's end, things are running smoothly. But of course, by then it's time to get cleaned up for the banquet. Not your ordinary aircraft maintenance job The challenges of Reno are unique to aircraft mechanics. The closest parallel for a mechanic would be to top-echelon auto racing, but few mechanics cross from one arena to another. Further, in auto racing, there is a lot more track time, and there are multiple races in any series. In Reno racing, there's only … Reno. Slight misunderstandings, occurring from unfamiliarity, fatigue, or misinterpretation, result in expensive problems. Early one morning, I encountered an Unlimited flyer, who was upset with himself. He had asked the crew to "check" the spark plugs the night before, and they did, taking nearly the whole night to do it; they, however, didn't "check" the plugs; they replaced them. No big deal, usually, but this was on a 4,360-inch, 28-cylinder P&W;, and a set of plugs cost upward of $2,000. (He finished second in Gold.) Other mistakes are dangerous. One normal midweek afternoon, we all heard and felt a loud explosion. Looking for smoke or some other clue was fruitless, but the cause of the noise was soon obvious: a Mustang sat very low on its gear, its back broken. New rules were in place that year, and someone (no one ever would say who) overfilled the Mustang's air tank. By a lot. No one was hurt, but the rules changed again, after that. For mechanics who are used to working alone and at their own pace, Reno is a different world. Everyone on a team helps wherever possible. Sometimes, curious and helpful spectators are called on to assist in, say, a smaller-class engine change, or to go find parts or a tool. "Crew management" is as important as raw knowledge; those volunteers are a force multiplier, but also, as one crew chief said, "must be watched." Sometimes, the press of time can overwhelm judgment, skill, and the airman's last defense, luck. Improper design, bad assumptions (like "I thought you did that") have led to some mechanical and human disasters. Because of the litigation involved and my position as a trusted journalist who wants to continue his welcome by the teams, citing specific examples here is not wise, but mistakes that Industry Proven Software. Only Part of Our Package. In an industry strengthened by relationships and innovation, CORRIDOR has proven it's more than an efective software application. It's a complete solution delivering dedicated support services, applied experience, and a productive partnership. From initial consultation and training through daily operation, your company will beneft from experienced implementation, technical, and customer support teams. Founded by aviation professionals with more than 75 years in the industry, CORRIDOR evolves through a commitment to understand and solve aviation service challenges to position your business for long-term success. Contact us today. Experience. Support. Expertise. Your Complete Maintenance Solution. C RRIDOR Aviation Service Software 512.918.8900 www.corridor.aero AviationPros.com/company/10134103 www.AMTSociety.org • www.AviationPros.com • Aircraft Maintenance Technology April 2013 13