Attached are a list of "squawks" taken from U.S. Air Force maintenance logs.

For each squawk problem and solution, determine:

• Whether it represents good communication or poor communication between the pilots and the maintenance crew

if it is good communication you are done with that squawk (hooray!)

if it is poor communication:

a) state why the message was unclear

b) describe how to "fix" the problem

e.g. in the first squawk the pilot complains of "Evidence of leak on right main landing gear." The mechanic replies, "Evidence removed." This is an example of poor communication because the mechanic did not "fix" the problem concerning the pilot. Essentially, the pilot’s emphasis was on the word "leak" and the mechanic emphasized the problem of "evidence." This could be corrected if the pilot had used the simpler problem statement "Leak on right main landing gear." The words "evidence of" are superfluous. Omitting them communicates the concern without introducing an unnecessary level of ambiguity.

Now complete the remaining twelve for your assignment.

"Squawks" are problems noted by U.S. Air Force pilots and left for maintenance crews to fix before the next flight. Here are some actual maintenance complaints logged by those Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews.

(P) = Problem (complaint)

(S) = Solution (reply)

EXAMPLE:

(P) Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.

(S) Evidence removed.

1.

(P) DME volume unbelievably loud.

(S) Volume set to more believable level.

2.

(P) Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200fpm descent.

(S) Cannot reproduce problems on ground.

3.

(P) IFF inoperative.

(S) IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

4.

(P) Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.

(S) That’s what they’re there for.

5.

(P) Number three engine missing.

(S) Engine found on right wing after brief search.

6.

(P) Aircraft handles funny.

(S) Aircraft wanred to straighten up, "fly right," and get serious.

7.

(P) Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.

(S) Almost replaced left inside main tire.

8.

(P) Test flight OK, except auto land very rough.

(S) Auto land not installed on this aircraft.

9.

(P) #2 propeller seeping prop fluid.

(S) #2 propeller seepage normal. #1, #3, and #4 propellers lack normal seepage.

10.

(P) Something loose in cockpit.

(S) Something tightened in cockpit.

11.

(P) Dead bugs on windshield.

(S) Live bugs on order.

12.

(P) Target Radar hums.

(S) Reprogrammed Target Radar with the words.