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KamikazeGrandma80 karma

Nope. Mechanics will be the guys who actually have to get all of that sheet metal in to the skin of an aircraft and make sure every single rivet goes in properly.

KamikazeGrandma18 karma

A problem like bad drilling may not be noticed doing the job (imagine you're approaching the end of an 8-10 hour shift and you've spent all day riveting/drilling) and by riveting over it, the problem would be almost impossible to stop.

Depending on which part of the aircraft is being done, riveting may be done in a 2-man team (one person holding a rivet gun, the second holding a backing dolly for the rivet and in control of whats happening) which would increase the chance of a mistake being made, but if an experienced tradesman is by himself using cherry rivets or something else that is only a one man job, he wouldn't be under constant supervision and it is possible for him to make mistakes.

KamikazeGrandma15 karma

It could be seriously damaging for morale if the entire crew were worried if there family or friends were involved considering the limited communication they have with the surface while under way.

KamikazeGrandma12 karma

If the pilot reports a problem they'll be scanned over, but your typical Boeing is designed to be run 24/7* until it reaches a set number of flying hours. Unless something seems wrong, that's how they will work.

*To clarify, engines like the Rolls Royce RB200 reach maximum efficiency when they are run non-stop, which works for airlines as they can afford to have the engines idling while the plane is refuelled, passengers/cargo/crew changed and then sent back up in to the air. No time for maintenance unless something is obviously wrong.