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A Miraculous Escape in Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance and any teamwork-intensive industry require complete attention from everyone involved. No single person can manage the entire workload alone, and neglecting one’s responsibilities can create significant problems. This principle is true for all professions, but it is especially critical in aircraft maintenance, where each step must be meticulously watched from start to finish. This story is a testament to the importance of teamwork, attention to detail, and faith in challenging situations.

During my 55 years in the aviation industry, I’ve faced numerous near-miss incidents and thrilling rescues. One particular incident stands out as both a miraculous escape and a powerful lesson in vigilance and faith.

 The Incident

I was working on a Boeing 747, focusing on the rudder lightning strike protection strip. This strip acts as a fuse, protecting the aircraft from lightning by burning off during a strike, thereby saving the structure. While inspecting the area as part of a scheduled work card, I discovered the lightning strip had burned off. I immediately informed the area inspector and shift manager, Mr  Sameer Baeassa, through my supervisor. The task of replacing the strip was assigned to me and a trainee mechanic on the job (OJT).

After drawing the part from the stores and securing a cherry picker truck from ground equipment support, I parked the cherry picker on the right side of the aircraft. Noticing a hydraulic fluid seepage on the main actuator of the cherry picker bucket, I pointed it out to the ground equipment supervisor. He dismissed my concern, giving me a strange look and insisting it was normal.

  The Crisis

As we started working on the rudder from the right side of the aircraft, I realized the bucket was slowly moving down. I tried to move it up to keep it clear of the aircraft’s elevator structure. However, the seepage on the actuator turned into an uncontrolled leak, creating a terrifying situation. Miraculously, just as the bucket was about to hit the structure, it stopped. It seemed that a safety system had locked the bucket when the hydraulic leak exceeded a certain threshold.

The Rescue  

Hanging in the air with no way to get down, I used a whistle I kept in my coverall pocket to draw attention to our predicament. The ground equipment crew quickly brought another cherry picker alongside us, allowing us to crawl over to safety. They dealt with the hydraulic issue, ensuring the aircraft was clear of any potential damage.

  Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The trainee mechanic with me was so shaken by the incident that he decided to leave aircraft maintenance altogether, switching to an office job in material management. By the time I retired, he had become a manager in that department, often recalling how that day changed his career path.

Key Takeaways

– **Check Your Equipment Thoroughly**: Never start work with equipment that isn’t 100% operational, regardless of external pressures.
– **Stay Calm Under Pressure**: Face any situation bravely, knowing that whatever comes, it can be managed.
– **Faith and Good Deeds**: Trust in the higher power and believe that good deeds are always rewarded.

This experience was a vivid reminder of the importance of thorough checks and unwavering faith in difficult conditions. With love and a touch of adventure, I hope this story inspires you to stay vigilant and brave in your endeavors.

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The outcome of the Story

– Always thoroughly check your operating equipment before starting any work.
– Never use equipment that isn’t fully functional, even if pressured by others.
– Stay calm and face challenges bravely.
– Remember that good deeds are counted and rewarded by Almighty Allah.

 Description of Terms:

  *AOG Desk* When an aircraft is operationally grounded due to essential parts being unavailable, this department follows up and provides the necessary parts.

.story NUMBER 05 Miraculous Escape FROM HANGING IN THE SKY ON A CHERRY PICKER