Originally Posted by
cxwrench
Pretty much all that we do relies on this (acquired methods passed down from one mechanic to another). Do you have a better method?
Yes, absolutely: Written procedures for the job, based on maintenance instructions from the manufacturer, documentation of what work was performed, signed off by the mechanic.
An aircraft mechanic doesn't touch a plane without a job card with detailed instructions. The plane doesn't fly until the mechanic has completed the work and signed off the job card, and someone else has checked the job card for completeness.
In my shop, mechanics worked from iPads that provided step-by-step instructions on the job to perform, one task per screen, with the instructions usually copied directly from the manufacturers, and they had to check off each task as they went. Mechanics initially balked at the idea, thinking they were far too skilled to submit to such baby sitting. But quality, reliability, and efficiency all improved.