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Thread: Ethical dilemma

  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    Default Ethical dilemma

    Quote Originally Posted by Timberwolf View Post
    ... I would have a huge bone to pick with the A&P and would be going over his head. It may be someone else's life you save.
    I have been pondering about this issue. No need to give details here, I believe I understand more or less why this happened, (not that it justifes anything.)
    The guy is not a beginner in the business, and has a good reputation. My case is probably the one exception.
    I definitively will not give him any more work in the future or recommend him to others.
    But beyond that, what is the proper thing to do, between verbally expressing my "dissatisfaction", (which I did, although that is not exactly the word I used,) in one extreme, and a letter to the FAA on the other?

    Still pondering ...

    Roberto.

  2. #2
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ethical dilemma

    Roberto,
    Good thing...pondering. If the guy has been in business a long time and has a good reputation, he had to earn that. One oversight, missed item or even non life threatening screw up does not, to me, seem like a reason to run to the government to tattle on him. If you have discussed it with him, so he knows what he missed, and you feel he has acknowledged his mistake so it doesn't happen again, seems to me you have helped him. If he is a stand up guy, he will have learned something new and life goes on. No one knows everything about everything nor do they notice everything every time. On the other hand, if he is unwilling to acknowledge a mistake or is arrogant about the whole thing it's a different story. At that point it may be time to discuss it with him again and let him know up front you plan to file a complaint with the FAA. My personal opinion is it's not good ethics to go to the FAA behind his back.
    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
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  3. #3

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    Lawrenceville, GA
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    Angry Re: Ethical dilemma

    So this stupid/lazy/incompetent (pick one) mechanic can't do a run up on the engine, see the vibration, lack of power, and sinking EGT on one cylinder, and at least admit that there is a problem and dig in to find out why?

    How much money did he charge you for this lack of service?
    Building a KF IV Classic

  4. #4

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    Jul 2012
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    Navarre, FL
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    Default Re: Ethical dilemma

    napierm hit the nail on the head. First he tells you it's done, then you come in and he has to put you off. ***? he said it was ready to go. I feel like he missed more than one key item on this. I can understand one loose bolt or something in a minor area (such as an inspection cover) but to give your plane back to you in that condition...I think something needs to be done. I would first start by confronting him. I also would be asking for my money back and have it gone over by a more competent A&P while monitoring what happens with my plane. It's your a$$ on the line out there. The real question is, did he have parts left over and just shrug it off? Someone else may end up getting their plane back and try taking off only to end up dead because of a slight oversight by the mx guy. If something like that had happened, you can guarantee he would lose a lot more than his license. There's a reason these guys have to sign off on their work. I think in this case, he was just paying ya "lip service" so to speak. Just my opinion, but after 2 engine outs through no fault of my own, I'm a whole lot more careful.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Ethical dilemma

    I had something similar in Granbury, Texas. The only local Rotax repairman, I needed my 200 hour inspection done. He changed oil, used the wrong type of oil, I supplied the oil filter & plugs, because he didn't have any. When I got home to check it out, he didn't check the carb fuel bowls, and no compression tests. He was suppose to be a Rota certified mechanic.. I just will never go back, never recommend him, and bad mouth when I have a chance.
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

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