Help! I'm stuck on the wing: standing on the top of a ladder, not using spoiler locks, and performing a task alone that is usually performed by two, are obvious serious safety violations

Combat Edge, Sept, 2003 by George G. Sarris

I can picture all of you aircraft mechanics rolling on the floor overcome with laughter. I can sense your thoughts, "This guy is a good candidate for the Darwin Awards." It's hard to believe that this is a true story. It is even harder to believe that I would be dumb enough to put it in writing. I'm sharing it because of the very deep lesson it carries. Standing on the top of a ladder, not using spoiler locks, and performing a task alone that is usually performed by two, are obvious serious safety violations. One might also even argue that my judgment was also impaired by a lack of sleep.

I am no longer a part of the unit concerned, so I can say this freely for the first time. The real lesson is contained within the old Airman Leadership Course 1, Volume 1, lesson 015. The lesson reveals that a supervisor's technical incompetence can negatively affect subordinates. It is well understood that the best mechanic does not always make a good supervisor. However, a good supervisor must have the experience, skills, and knowledge of the AFSC over which he is supervising. My concern about my supervisor did not justify my own stupidity. My own incompetence on that morning could have jeopardized the very flight I was trying to ensure was safe.

Yes, this story is true. I placed myself at risk in the name of safety without considering my own safety violations. Despite all the drama, everything went off smoothly that morning. The headlines in the evening paper could have been, "Sergeant Crushed by Wing," or "Senator Dies in Guard Crash." Thankfully, neither event happened nor was either story written. What will be your safety story? Be safe and remember that the end does not always justify the means, especially, if the means cut corners and put lives at stake. And lives are important, even if it's your own.