The smoking gun

While working at an aircraft manufacturing facility years ago, an issue occurred with the fuel system on one of the finished aircraft. It was after fueling and performing an engine run according to the checklist that an error popped up. After further diagnoses, which included defueling the wing and removing it from the fuselage, the lead tech made an interesting discovery. While the fuel cells were being constructed, someone inadvertently left a soda can in the cell, tucked between the chambers. When the aircraft was being fueled, so was the can. It clogged the hole between cells and reduced fuel flow. Luckily, the Foreign Object Debris (FOD) was discovered before the aircraft ever left the apron.

Fortunately, the soda can was caught. However, in life there are many “smoking guns” that, unlike the soda can, are never caught. In aviation, there are aids such as professional checklists, aircraft warning indicators, or performance reviews to ensure you reach your maximum potential. If ignored, something usually goes awry. Whereas in life, self-diagnosis may be as simple as correcting poor choices; but, it might also require disassembling your work habits to see why the indicator light is flashing so that you can make the appropriate adjustments. Finding the FOD in your life is a matter of looking diligently for the smoking gun. Usually, there is a catalyst to poor performance, or many, depending on how often you self-evaluate.

There could be occasions when you lack the expertise or knowledge to troubleshoot issues. Finding a person with a different perspective can help in redefining goals. The smoking gun, in this case, is usually misguided priorities and lack of satisfaction as the result of those priorities. Neglecting small aspects in your life can lead to depression. It may cause you to develop a negative attitude toward your job, your fellow employees, or your personal life.

Here are three pieces of FOD that may be keeping you from getting off the apron:

• Stress and depression. A Livescience.com report concluded that 48 percent of individuals with stress and depression are more likely to die from cardiac arrest. Yet, there are easy ways to help you remove stress so that you can better enjoy life. These include:

1. Better sleep. A sound period of rest allows the brain to release stagnant problems, giving you a fresh perspective.
2. Exercise. There are countless books and studies on the benefits of cardio exercise. It is as simple as getting off your “tarmac” and doing it. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that “…adults should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 days per week OR engage in 20-minutes of vigorous activity 3 days per week.”
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy uses communication to work through problems as a means to remove negative thoughts and focus on positive aspects of life.

• Selfishness in relationships. Diane Coutu, of the Harvard Business Review, reported that selfishness is a relationship killer that stifles self-growth. Coutu suggested that we use a softer method of dealing with coworkers and employers. This can be as simple as saying, “Yes” more often.

• Ignorance is bliss attitude. This attitude is detrimental to the personal growth of the individual and the community in which they interact. Education can reduce the FOD that hinders a person from growing professionally, resulting in greater work satisfaction. Education of any type stimulates the mind and produces ideas that can improve our quality of life.

The smoking gun of FOD, although small like the soda can, can cause calamities in the long run. Reducing obstructions and debris makes it possible to enjoy life and get you off the apron and into the air.