Post #5 Technology in Aviation

 I have used a multitude of technology systems in aviation through the various companies/positions I held, civilian or military. Whether it is communications, time slots, or tracking. I joined the military because I was told I could not as a woman – so I did.

As a quality assurance technician, I worked with a variety of engineers using oracle and other 3D programs for the fuselage of the 787-8/9. Everything was documented and transmitted. In composite areas, the areas were climate controlled. -Depending on the airframe and materials used, would depend on the specifications of temperature and humidity. Food and drinks were prohibited – and I still have a piece of copper in my left eye from a Pratt & Whitney inner skin.

In the military, I used multiple forms of technology for traceability, accountability, and reference. Aviation is far more complicated than that. I started working on B-52s where technology was very limited. As I expanded my career to other airframes, the technology increased. Troubleshooting became simpler, as a computer would almost tell you what the issue was. The engine’s electronic control unit (EEC) would relay data to the aircraft.

Historically, aircraft maintenance required a certain level of mechanical ability and troubleshooting capability. It is having a core understanding of how things work. Today, having that understanding can help you with more complicated problems that the computer cannot solve.

In the aviation industry, an employee would have to know what an issue is and what is not. The computer will give you the data – and you must interpret it. Having a strong foundation of basic mechanics and how the fundamentals work better for those ‘grease monkeys’ like I was. There are other careers in aviation that specialize in computers and technology.   

Fixing aircraft will become simpler and more efficient with the use of technology. It would be like the use of dial-up versus Wi-Fi and blue tooth. We no longer have to turn a crank to start a car, so why would we continue to do the same with aircraft?