A small crack led to a big paperwork moment

Last week, I was doing an annual check on a Cherokee and found a thin crack in a lift fitting. It was minor, but definitely there. The owner was in a hurry for a weekend trip, and my boss hinted I should just note it as within limits. I had to choose between keeping the schedule smooth and sticking to the book. I ended up writing a full report, specifying the crack and asking for a look in 75 hours. It meant more work right then, but it felt right. My tip: always put the full detail in the log, even if it seems small. It keeps your name clear and stops problems down the line. Plus, it's easier to explain later when someone asks.

3 comments

3 Comments

tessa_wright5d ago

Good call. That paperwork protects everyone in the long run.

robinson.max5d ago

Overloads the system with pointless red tape.

lindal134d ago

Protecting everyone in the long run is exactly right, @tessa_wright. I had to deal with a contract issue where the initial paperwork was a lifesaver. Without those signed forms, there would have been he said, she said for months. It seemed like overkill when we did it, but it cleared up confusion fast later on. That's why I'm a believer in dotting the i's and crossing the t's, even when it's tedious. Good paperwork is just good sense.