Skycalled: The Dance

Aircraft Mechanics

Just in case you need a laugh: Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one. Reassurance for those of us who fly routinely in our jobs.

After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanic about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.


P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed
And the best one for last..................

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding
on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

Vacation Bible School

Hello friends, family and others who share in this electronic world. This summer our church offered a VBS to students on summer vaction. Managed and manned by some people from the young adults group we had a large number of children attend most evenings. It ran Tuesday to Friday 6 to 8. Filled with hours of crafts, songs and games VBS was aimed at the 6-12 year old age group. Sharing the love of God with children is one of the most life changing things any man or women can do. Appreciated all the hard work everyone did in putting this together and was sad to have missed the friday evening round.

I was away for two weeks in August working at an aboriginal christian summer youth camp called Camp Living Water . I have some wonderful stories to tell as well as some battle scars and a stomach flu to recover from. All in all a great trip and wonderful expirience. Thanks to all the Regina team for a great trip and good companionship.

Summer has been great so far - attended the Flatlands Festival and the Taste of Regina this year as well which was a well enjoyed number of evenings. Blog ya soon!

Everyone Enjoying Your Summer?

What a beautiful summer so far in Regina. Lately I was asked to attend two youth camps and have had to turn one down for the sake of having some rest time. Would like to visit Dallas Valley Ranch Camp next summer as a side note. Been resting and relaxing, listening to music and hanging out with the Morning Star Crew. A date has been set for our little group to head to Camp Living Water, this Saturday August 5th. Janice and myself spent last weekend at my Dad's house in Yorkton and returned on Monday morning. It was good to see and visit with friends and family. I was also invited to go on a golf trip this week but I don't I'm going to make it there either. Wow it's nice to have the opportunity to do so many different things! I would at this time like to offer my two cents for Presidents Choice little Gourmet Pizzas. They are amazing! The perfect bachelor food or for anyone who is hungry (particularly the Tomato, Fete and Olive)

Watched "V for Vendetta" last night and was very entertained but wouldn't really recommend it because of some of the suggested material present in the movie. May be troubling for a younger croud. Anyway peace ya'll.