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So… what is a “Gotcha?”

In the context of today’s podcast, it is a significant issue, an important issue, or a potentially dangerous issue, that you may not find out about, unless you take action to repair, or resolve, a lesser, or more routine, issue.

Where did I get this term “Gotcha?”  From my previous boss, who got it from a gentleman he worked with many years ago, named Virgil Gottfried.

Virgil has an important lesson for all of us in general aviation.  If we want to operate safely, on a consistent basis, it is vitally important for us to fix known discrepancies on the airplanes we fly, even if they seem like small and insignificant issues.

Why?  Because in fixing the “small or routine issues,” we sometimes discover far more critical problems that need attention.

Like fixing the loose headset jack plate, and discovering that the ground wire for the fuel pump indicator light was attached to one of those screws (that one has been bothersome for awhile.)

IMG_1052… or, like finding corrosion on the wing spar while complying with Piper SB 1006.  (Service bulletins can be easily overlooked since they are usually considered “recommended,” but not required, for part 91 airplanes.)

Today I give some ideas of possible topics for future episodes, like:

  1.  Ignition system troubleshooting and how to know if you have a bad mag.
  2. Running an engine past TBO… good idea or bad idea?
  3. Anticipating the ABS Maintenance Academy in Houston, Texas.
  4. Report on the ABS Maintenance Academy.

After listening to today’s episode, I hope you will be motivated to take a look at your airplane and evaluate if you have any issues you should deal with, so you can avoid any “Gotchas.”

And please, if you have any stories to tell me about avoiding “Gotchas,” or if you have an idea for a future episode, please leave me a comment below.

Thank you, Lance Bryant, for your comments and topic request this past week… I appreciate it!