Avionics News April 2013 - 4

“It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education
without common sense.” – Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899)

Common Sense
A

s I write my last “Point of Communication” the things necessary every day from filling out warranty
article for Avionics News, I reflect on the last cards for the manufacturers to using the resources
three years serving as chair of the Aircraft Electronics available through the AEA? Do we follow up with
Association board of directors. One underlying theme customers like we should? Do we communicate with
that stands out to me is the lack of understanding we manufacturers and vendors like we should?
have for each other’s business world.
One could say those are all common
For example, there are generally three
sense things to do. But I have seen the
basic groups involved in the avionics
numbers, and as a group, we do a very
industry: the avionics shops (big or small,
poor job with these items. As avionics
stand-alone or part of a maintenance repair
shops, we have much room for change and
and overhaul or airline), manufacturers and,
improvement. As a group, we don’t use
of course, regulators. During the last three
common sense all the time. If you read Ric
years, I have seen a number of changes that
Peri’s “View from Washington” monthly
Greg Vail
manufacturers have instituted, and I have
column, it’s not difficult to determine that
to ask, why? What are they thinking about,
he often is talking about us.
what are they trying to fix?
My point is this: As an industry, we all must use
Many of the changes have been made to improve common sense in our business every day, regardless of
something that someone, somewhere thinks is broken. how educated we are.
But, in my opinion, in most cases, the improved website,
In closing, I want to thank everyone I have met or
data policies, technical support or parts ordering is not a spoken with while serving as chairman of the AEA
step in the right direction. Where is the common sense in board of directors. It goes without saying, but the AEA
the decisions being made in the name of improvement?
staff, board of directors and the individuals who serve
What about the regulators around the world? Do on various AEA committees are all quality professionals
recent regulations or proposed regulations in the last and individuals. It has been my honor and a privilege to
few years make common sense? We all know the answer know and serve with all of them. q
to this. Again, what are they thinking about? What are
they trying to fix? Whose point of view is considered
when regulators draft changes or new regulations? For
example, there are sections of the proposed rewrite
of Part 145 in the U.S. that causes one to ask, what
GREG VAIL
happened to common sense?
Chairman, AEA board of directors
So what about us, the avionics shops? Do we do all
Flightstar Corp., Savoy, Ill.

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Avionics News April 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News April 2013