October 14, 2026

Speaking Up Is Part of the Job. Staying Silent Is a Choice.

Have you ever noticed something that didn't look right but kept quiet because you didn't want to challenge a supervisor or upset a coworker? Maybe you were worried about holding up a departure or being labeled as difficult.

In aviation maintenance, the fear of speaking up must never outweigh our responsibility for safety.

Assertiveness isn't insubordination; it's professionalism. If instructions aren't clear, questioning your supervisor is not only acceptable, it's the right thing to do. Supervisors are human, too, and asking for clarification can prevent misunderstandings, maintenance errors, and potentially serious consequences.

Maintenance Scenario: When Instructions Don't Match

You're performing a maintenance task when your supervisor gives you instructions that don't appear to match the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). The aircraft is behind schedule, and there's pressure to finish.

Do you follow the verbal instructions and hope for the best, or do you speak up?

You can say, “I want to make sure we're doing this correctly. These instructions don't appear to match the AMM. Can we review them before I continue?”

That's not challenging authority for the sake of arguing. It's protecting the aircraft, your coworkers, and the passengers who depend on your work. Resolve the concern using the applicable approved maintenance data and procedures before proceeding.

A Lesson from Aviation History

United Airlines Flight 173 crashed after the crew focused on a landing gear problem and failed to adequately respond to warnings about dwindling fuel. The accident remains a powerful reminder of the importance of communication, recognizing problems, and responding when concerns are raised.

The same principle applies to maintenance. An error that goes unchallenged on the ground can have consequences in the air.

AMT Focus: Speak Up. Ask Questions. Protect Each Other.

• Unclear instructions? Ask for clarification.
• Something doesn't look right? Raise the concern.
• Pressure to rush? Don't let schedules override safety.
• Concern unresolved? Follow applicable stop-work procedures and escalate through the appropriate channels.

Remember, respect for supervision doesn't mean giving up your professional judgment. Speaking up may feel uncomfortable, but staying silent can cost you your career and put lives at risk.

The aircraft you maintain carries someone's family. Make sure your voice is part of its safety.

Safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground.

Tom Wiggins
National Safety & Standards Director