Am I the only one who used to skip torque checks on landing gear bolts?

I was 4 years in before a senior mechanic pulled me aside after a 737 brake job and showed me a bolt that was 15 ft-lbs under spec. That moment made me realize I'd been rushing critical steps for years, and now I double-check every torque value before signing off. Anyone else have a wake-up call that humbled them on the line?

2 comments

2 Comments

brookep271d ago

15 ft-lbs under on a 737 brake bolt. That's insane. Those are critical structure, not just some panel screw. One hard landing and that could walk right out. I saw a guy do the same thing on a C-130 nose gear. He was 20 years in. Humility hits everyone eventually.

robert641d ago

Yeah @brookep27, marking that torque wrench with tape saved my tail once.