How Will They Know?

Many years ago, I happened to overhear one pilot ask another, How did they find out? The question revolved around a situation resulting from an error in judgment concerning operation of an unairworthy (out-of-annual-inspection) aircraft. While there was no accident, a somewhat unusual event occurred that was traced to a mouse nest in the carburetor heater duct, which caused a rough-running engine. After a precautionary landing, mechanics discovered the problem and thought it was hilarious.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Aviation safety requires more than just legal compliance; it demands adherence to procedures, recommendations, and good judgment, as what is legal may not always be smart or safe.
The aviation community has a collective responsibility to uphold safety standards, including actively "self-policing" by speaking up against unsafe practices to prevent accidents and preserve industry freedoms.
Cutting corners, ignoring regulations, or operating unprofessionally, even when unseen, inevitably leads to severe consequences and enforcement actions, often with tragic results.

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Many years ago, I happened to overhear one pilot ask another, “How did they find out?” The question revolved around a situation resulting from an error in judgment concerning operation of an unairworthy (out-of-annual-inspection) aircraft. While there was no accident, a somewhat unusual event occurred that was traced to a mouse nest in the carburetor heater duct, which caused a rough-running engine. After a precautionary landing, mechanics discovered the problem and thought it was hilarious.

Somehow the word got out to the FAA and, after reviewing the aircraft’s logs, the pilot faced an enforcement action. Knowledge of the predicament spread among local aviators.