Not really sure if the MM was intended as a general guide, I think the latter stement is more correct. The legal beagles and lawsuits have insisted that they have become more specific/elaborate, plus aircraft systems and the technology involved has evolved such that more information is required by the engineer even to perfom rudimentary tasks. But the problem will always be how up to date are the books/cd/tapes you're using?
As for software off email, Rockwell-Collins will not even allow IFE software to be sent via email, let alone nav databases!
------------------
Old age and treachery will always triumph over youth and enthusiasm.
[This message has been edited by Jango (edited 15 February 2001).]