PSA: I'm done with the 'just replace the whole unit' mindset for basic LRU faults.

I keep seeing guys at my hangar in Phoenix swap out a whole line replaceable unit for a simple fault that a $30 part could fix. Last week, a nav radio failed self-test with a bad encoder chip. The book said replace the LRU, a $5,000 part. Instead, I pulled the shop manual, found the chip was socketed, sourced a new one from a local supplier for $28, and had the box back on the plane in 90 minutes. The push to just swap units is about speed, but it kills real troubleshooting skills and costs the operator way more in the long run. We're technicians, not parts changers. When did we stop actually fixing things? What's the most basic component repair you've done lately that saved a full unit replacement?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaretr7614h ago

What's the shop manual you used for that?

bell.felix11h ago

That "parts changers" thing is everywhere now, margaretr76. My washing machine guy wanted to replace the whole motor for a bad $15 bearing.

river_thompson11h ago

Parts changers" is so true. When did fixing things become a lost art? Good on you for actually using the shop manual.