Avionics News September 2012 - 56

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B Y T H O M A S I N M A N

Changes in Approach L
ast summer, I had the opportunity to experience a difference in perception and realized the responsibility for a change in approach. No matter what the field of endeavor, one must always be aware of perceptual differences. None of us think exactly like another. Furthermore, we must always be ready for change. Competition in the avionics industry creates rapid changes, and we all must adapt. The difference in perception came as I attended a familiarization class on a transport-category jet. From an avionics standpoint, the airplane was not very remarkable. As the instructor said, most of these systems operate in an identical manner to those found in any other aircraft. He pointed out a few differences, mainly the Mode S transponder coupled closely to the TCAS, and the altimeter-sized air data unit installed so the aircraft could meet RVSM requirements. Otherwise, he was correct. The airliner did not even sport a GPS, VOR-DME RNAV or any form of flight management system. As a result, we spent most of our week on other systems. Our instructor used humor fre56
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quently. At his workplace, avionics technicians were referred to as cone heads. On the surface, one might think this was a derogatory term. Perhaps, but our instructor learned to be a cone head while working for

Referring to a person as a knuckle dragger infers low intelligence and is normally an insult. In this case, the reference means mechanics are not burdened with an avionics technician’s tendency for over thinking a

Where a mechanic looks for simplicit y, an avionics technician looks for complexit y.

an airline, and he referred to us with respect and awe. In fact, he said difficult, mind-boggling airplane problems, no matter what the system, could often be solved by an “emergency, break-glass-only cone head.” I raised my hand and volunteered, “That’s me, and I only work in an emergency.” Our rather animated instructor would often refer to mechanics as knuckle draggers, pilots as sky kings and flight engineers as juniors. Eighty percent of the students in this class were mechanics, and half were pilots. Fortunately for the instructor, all of us were able to take these references in the humorous spirit in which they were intended.

problem. In contrast, we cone heads tend to be logical and, at times, a bit too literal. Where a mechanic looks for simplicity, an avionics technician looks for complexity. We all can understand how confidence and ego could cause a pilot to be designated a sky king. As for flight engineers, often the position is held by the most junior in seniority. During the week, we familiarized ourselves with electrical systems, pressurization, air conditioning, engines and hydraulics. I must admit, I’m a true-blue cone head. As a result, most of these subjects were far outside my area of expertise. I learned much. As a cone head, more than once I was the first to volunteer

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Avionics News September 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News September 2012