I finally admitted to myself why I rushed that C-check sign-off

We had a jet down for a heavy check, and the flight crew was really pushing to get it back for a morning departure. I was on the last shift, finishing the gear pin log check. I knew the paperwork was correct, but I hadn't personally walked out to the hangar to see the pins removed from storage. The lead just said, 'Logbook is clear, sign it off so we can close up.' I did. It bugged me all night. In the morning, I came in early and went straight to the pin locker. Two of the three pins were still there, meaning someone hadn't completed the pull. The jet was fine, but my stomach dropped. I used to think keeping the line moving was part of the job, even if it meant trusting the paper over the physical check. That moment changed my mind. Now I never sign for a task I haven't laid my own eyes on, no matter who says it's done. How do you guys draw that line when the clock is ticking?

3 comments

3 Comments

uma_foster3d ago

Consider how the shift turnover process can create blind spots. I've seen guys assume the day crew finished a pull, but the handoff sheet was vague. Now I make a point to physically tag the removed pins with my initials before signing off. It adds two minutes but kills that gut feeling something was missed.

milascott3d ago

Yeah tagging pins is smart, I started doing that after my own close call last winter.

harpers183d ago

Doesn't that aviation safety article (you know, the one from last year) mention shift change risks?