Originally Posted by
DuncanDoenitz
Funny how different organisations can have widely different views on what is an acceptable practice.
Towards the end of a 30-year career as an RAF technician I spent a few months seconded to an RN helicopter unit. The naval tool-store did not carry adjustable spanners (wrenches) as techies were expected to select a spanner of the correct size, and a misused adjustable could damage the nut/bolt. Standard means of removing panel-screws, however was pump-action screwdrivers.
Wanted to bring a vehicle into an RAF flight sergeaant's hangar? Had to be a diesel, due to the risk of sparks from the ignition system of a petrol/gasoline engine. But wait a minute, this is the 21st Century; petrol engines have electronic ignition, and diesels have particulate filter devices that periodically burn-off the residue?
And don't even start on the mobile phone situation .....
Fully agree about adjustable spanners. An abomination, not issued in personal toolkits, and not in Loan Tool Stores. But neither were pump screwdrivers in any Navy workshop I was in. Accidentally damage an aircraft or equipment? Hold your hands up immediately, and few comebacks apart from a stern lecture and closer supervision. But damage them with the wrong tool or technique? 3-day suspension without pay and loss of craft allowance. Standards have definitely slipped, which is what happens when you put tools in charge of tools, delete training, and allow maintainers to use whatever they happen to have lying around. Flt Lt Sean Cunningham case in a nutshell.