Legendary Captain

Chapter 154 The Savior of the Aircraft Maintenance Team?

"How many?" This was the first time the maintenance crew had ever heard a part number from a pilot.

Xu Xian repeated: "The fixed landing lights should be fine. We'll use GEQ4559X, or can our company save money by using incandescent bulbs like the 4559? Our aircraft isn't an old one; the taxi lights shouldn't be the 4551, that's only used on the 700 and older 800 models. The current aircraft should be using the 4554. Have the aircraft parts warehouse prepare some; there are only a few of those! Don't install the wrong taxi lights; although both models can light up, they're easy to burn out."

While the 4559 incandescent bulb is cheaper, its lifespan is relatively shorter. Xu Xian believes that companies like Xingyou Aviation, which have ample funds, will likely still choose the GE lighting fixtures with the Q4559X design.

As for the 4551 and 4554 gliders, they can actually light up even if the wrong resistor is installed. However, the resistors are different. If the larger resistor is installed, it might burn out the glider.

The maintenance crew below were dumbfounded. Was that really a pilot on board? Or was there a crew member on board? Even if there was a crew member, they shouldn't be in the cockpit!

Not only were the maintenance crew members questioning their existence, but even Qin Zongyang and the first co-pilot behind him couldn't help but open their mouths wide.

"No way! What are you thinking about all day long? Are you here to be a pilot or a mechanic?" Qin Zongyang asked blankly, "Wait a minute! Are you Xu Xian or some mechanic?"

"Stop being so sarcastic!" Xu Xian snorted. "Get your stuff ready quickly, don't delay the inspection! What time is it, and you're still talking nonsense? It's outrageous!"

Qin Zongyang grumbled, "I think what you just said was even more outrageous!"

Now is not the time for wrangling. After getting the maintenance crew, who was already deeply self-doubting, off the plane and maintaining a safe distance, Qin Zongyang maneuvered the plane slightly to the right, clearing the T1 taxiway.

"The tarmac, is my current position okay?" Qin Zongyang asked.

For apron control, visual observation is required. After a short wait, the reply came: "It's okay! Star Travel 6993, a Blue Sky Airlines plane will be taxiing out in a moment. After it taxis out, you can attach the tow truck and park at the parking position yourself. Just report when you arrive."

For the foreseeable future, only one Blue Sky Airlines aircraft will be taxiing out of this area of ​​the tarmac. Once that aircraft has taxied out, it won't matter how much Star Travel Airlines' aircraft maneuvers.

"Received! I'll wait for the Blue Sky Airlines plane to taxi out; I've already seen them push back!" After turning right, Qin Zongyang could see a Blue Sky Airlines plane pushing back through Xu Xian's side window. It shouldn't take long for them to taxi out.

In cases of unplanned towing, there is usually a short wait. The maintenance crew had already called for a towing truck, and while waiting, he kept a slight distance from the aircraft. He glanced at the cockpit and noticed that the co-pilot on the right was a young man.

There were two voices on the phone with him just now, one older and one younger. So the one who said those amazing things was this co-pilot who doesn't look that old.

The mechanic had begun to fall into a state of constant self-doubt. He feared that his professional skills had fallen so low that he was even worse than a co-pilot.

Other people who work in aviation have managed to leave him completely bewildered in his field, which is quite hurtful to his self-esteem.

Fortunately, after asking his colleagues, they said they didn't know the specific part number either, which immediately soothed his wounded heart.

Thank goodness, I'm not the worst one!

After receiving his request, the colleague first called to verify it. He thought it would take a long time, but in less than a few minutes, the colleague brought back the news.

"Landing light part number Q4559X, taxiing light part number P/N4554!" the colleague said, his face full of helplessness. This time, their pride was truly wounded!

The mechanic's mouth remained stiffly open for a long time before he finally managed to utter, "Are all the pilots in our company like this? Are we going to lose our jobs?! This is fucking outrageous!"

This is not over yet!

"I just casually asked. Among the first batch of old 800s in our company, some are still using incandescent bulbs 4559, and the glider lights are also using the 4551 model!" My colleague was truly impressed.

This colleague noticed something from the maintenance worker's words. The co-pilot in the cockpit not only knew the part numbers, but also some relatively obscure configurations. For example, incandescent bulb 4559 and taxi light 4551—these aren't considered mainstream configurations anymore, but the co-pilot really knew them; it was simply unbelievable!

After thinking for a long time, the colleague finally blurted out, "Is that guy upstairs someone who switched from aircraft maintenance to flying?"

Airlines sometimes recruit pilots from the general public, not just limited to a certain age group or major. Many airlines recruit pilots internally. Maintenance personnel, cabin crew, and even some ground administration staff have transitioned into flying.

The only reason a colleague could imagine the co-pilot in the cockpit knowing so much is because he was a former aircraft mechanic turned pilot. Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense!

Of course, there's another possibility. That is, they encountered a prodigy, someone who was self-taught. Even after reading just a few books, their knowledge was enough to make these veteran aircraft mechanics feel ashamed.

If they could really achieve this result through self-study, they should really find a hole to crawl into!

"Didn't you see how old he is? Even if he switched from maintenance to flying, he must not have studied maintenance for many years. So we're all useless, not even as good as a rookie who hasn't studied for many years?" the maintenance engineer said angrily.

Xu Xian looks like a young man in his early twenties. Even if he switched from aircraft maintenance to piloting, he probably hasn't been in the maintenance field for very long. Is this awkward? Others' casual learning has yielded results comparable to those of seasoned veterans; it must be disheartening.

My colleague sighed deeply, head bowed: "But the current situation seems to be pointing out that we're just useless idiots!"

The maintenance worker was startled, looking at his colleague in disbelief: "Is it really that straightforward?"

Regardless of whether the co-pilot in the cockpit is self-taught or a former aircraft mechanic, they seem unable to escape the deep self-deprecation.

"Comparison is the thief of joy!" a colleague sighed. "By the way, didn't Xiao Liu meet a co-pilot who taught him how to manually control the starter valve on his first day of training? Later, Xiao Liu even checked the crew information for that flight, but back then the crew was a three-person team, I think one was named Wu Feng and the other Xu Xian! I wonder if this co-pilot is one of those two! If so, that'll be interesting!"

Xu Xian had previously worked under Ning Sheng, whose first officer was Wu Feng. On that particular flight, the butterfly valve on the starter valve was icy, preventing it from opening. The maintenance mechanic at the time was a newly trained newcomer, and that flight was his first time leading a team alone. As a result, the mechanic couldn't understand the manual overrun starter valve procedure, so Xu Xian patiently taught them, line by line, how to operate it.

The new maintenance engineer at the time was surnamed Liu, and his colleagues called him Xiao Liu. After Xiao Liu delivered Xu Xian's plane, he immediately went back and told his mentor about it. His mentor felt that the flight crew had helped his apprentice, and later went to the captain on duty, Ning Sheng, to express his gratitude. However, Ning Sheng said that he was not the one who was supervising the maintenance, but the first officer on duty, but he didn't specify who it was.

Although nothing came of it afterward, Xiao Liu, the maintenance worker, told everyone he met about it, so now almost all the maintenance workers at Xingyou Airlines know that their company has a "knowledgeable" pilot.

"Let's check their mission statement when we get on the plane later! If it's really that coincidental, then our company has really struck gold!" The maintenance engineer suddenly became interested.

My colleague laughed and said, "You must have found a ghost! This is absolutely outrageous!"

While the maintenance crew were talking below, things were also bustling in the cockpit. Qin Zongyang picked at his stubble, his nostrils flaring as he looked at Xu Xian: "You used to be a maintenance worker, didn't you?"

Xu Xian rolled his eyes: "What aircraft maintenance? I used to work for rich kids!"

Xu Xian used to be a rich second-generation who just lazed around and did nothing, but unfortunately, he didn't last more than two years and can't be considered a seasoned rich second-generation.

"Fine, don't tell me then!" Qin Zongyang snorted, becoming quite arrogant.

Qin Zongyang wasn't particularly surprised by Xu Xian's claim of being a rich second-generation. Xu Xian had once been engaged to his company's CEO, Wen Jingshu. His family's wealth was to be expected; a marriage between equals was more common. However, judging from Xu Xian's apparent lack of money, he suspected some family misfortune had befallen them. Perhaps this was even partly responsible for the breakdown of his engagement with Wen Jingshu.

This isn't anything too difficult to guess; with a little thought, one can basically figure it out. Qin Zongyang didn't intend to expose him. In any case, Xu Xian's family situation—whether they were rich or poor—was none of his concern. He only cared about when Xu Xian would grow up enough to protect him from the wind and rain.

Seeing Qin Zongyang's temper flare up, Xu Xian sighed helplessly, "I worked in Xingfei's repair department for a while, you get it!"

When Xu Xian was learning to fly, it wasn't just about flying! He spent every day in the hangar. Xingfei Aviation's maintenance department was a gathering place for industry elites. Knowing that Xu Xian was their boss's apprentice, they answered all his questions and even proactively shared their knowledge about aircraft maintenance.

At this point, one can only marvel at Xu Xian's intelligence! He not only listened attentively but also remembered everything. While other pilots simply flew planes, Xu Xian had witnessed various aircraft disassembly scenes. Xu Xian possessed exceptional talent, and during his learning process with Xingfei's maintenance personnel, those arrogant veteran maintenance workers grew increasingly fond of this bright young man, constantly trying to persuade him to join the maintenance profession.

Unfortunately, aircraft maintenance is not only a tough job, but the pay is also generally low. Nowadays, many young people simply can't handle the hardship. The truly skilled veteran aircraft mechanics, however, adhere to the traditional craftsmanship and want to find an apprentice who can pass on their skills. Since witnessing Xu Xian's intelligence, they haven't found any of the new mechanics suitable.

However, Xu Xian's learning to fly and his acquisition of aircraft maintenance knowledge were purely out of interest; he never considered making it his career.

"So you come from a prestigious school! I didn't realize that!" Qin Zongyang laughed.

Xingfei Airlines' maintenance department is very famous in the industry, so Qin Zongyang's joking remark about it being a "prestigious institution" is not entirely unfounded.

Just as Qin Zongyang and Xu Xian were joking around, the tow truck arrived, and the maintenance crew returned to the aircraft.

Since the tow truck had already come, Qin Zongyang was too lazy to move the vehicle himself. He discussed it with the maintenance crew and decided to start the APU first. Once the APU was running, he simply shut off both engines and let the tow truck take them to their destination.

"Captain, the trailer is attached, you can release the brakes now!" the maintenance crew member said.

Qin Zongyang has also set a parking brake, so the vehicle cannot be moved at this time.

Qin Zongyang released the brake: "Brake released! It's still the same parking spot!"

"No problem!" the maintenance worker shouted, gesturing to the tow truck driver, who understood and began towing the aircraft.

During this time, the maintenance personnel followed the aircraft around. After a moment of silence, he decided to test the skills of the "genius" above to see if it was just a lucky guess or if he really had real talent.

"Cockpit! I forgot I needed to get other parts, so I only grabbed a light. If any other parts break, we'll have to go get replacement parts. Do you remember the part numbers for the other parts? We just checked, the fixed landing light part number is Q4559X, and the taxi light part number is 4554! That's really impressive!" the maintenance worker said.

Aircraft lights consist of more than just a single light fixture; they also include washers, screws, screw locking rings, and lamp covers. However, the maintenance staff's explanation is rather far-fetched. Most of the time, if a light isn't working, it's either a problem with the light fixture itself or a problem with the connecting wiring. Where would a problem with a washer, screw, or other external component cause a light to not work?

Under normal circumstances, if Qin Zongyang heard the maintenance crew daring to ask them questions, he would definitely have given them a good scolding. But now it was different. He had basically figured out what the maintenance crew was thinking, and more importantly, he wanted to see how much of the maintenance skills Xu Xian had actually mastered.

Xu Xian looked slightly embarrassed: "This is an external component! It's not structural damage to the lighting fixture, why do we need to replace this component?"

For example, if something hits the light fixture and breaks the lampshade or similar parts, then you'd need to replace the external components. But right now, the light fixture itself is fine; it's just not working, so is it really necessary to replace some external parts?

The mechanic down there really wanted to slap himself. He'd tried to find out what was going on, but ended up exposing himself.

However, Xu Xian was quite naive and didn't think much about it. He honestly said, "I'm not too clear on the taxiing lights! I remember some of the fixed landing lights! The washer is 65-83875-3, which is made of silicone synthetic rubber. There's also a 65-83875-19, which is disposable. I don't know which one our company uses? The screw is CA1820-1C. I really can't remember the screw locking ring. As for the lamp cover, the left one is 116A1510-5, and the right one is 116A1510-2."

Xu Xian remembered it so clearly mainly because the availability of fixed landing lights usually directly affects whether an aircraft can be released for takeoff. Taxi lights, turning lights, and navigation lights, on the other hand, are generally not related to release issues. And lights like strobe lights, beacon lights, and wing lights only affect release issues under certain specific circumstances.

Otherwise, do they really think Xu Xian's brain is a computer? That he can just throw anything into it? Xu Xian still picked out the important memories, after all, it wasn't his job.

The maintenance worker below froze, his face contorted in shock. He silently memorized the part number Xu Xian had mentioned, though he wasn't sure if Xu Xian was right. The only thing he was certain of was that the gasket's part number was correct. Xingyou Aviation used silicone synthetic rubber, and the part number was exactly what Xu Xian had given him.

Why did he know at this time? Because he had personally replaced one just two days ago, otherwise how would he know?

"Is he really a god? Or are all pilots these days so irresponsible, preferring to study other professions?" the maintenance engineer roared inwardly.

At this moment, Qin Zongyang was no longer shocked. He felt nothing but pride when Xu Xian uttered that string of professional terms.

Xu Xian's performance only proves how good Qin Zongyang's judgment is!

It seems that Xu Xian's meteoric rise makes the idea of ​​promoting him to a higher position far from being a pipe dream! He will have a bright future!

Qin Zongyang was too busy having fun to notice, but the first co-pilot behind him wasn't feeling the same way. He was starting to get scared. Were all the second co-pilots these days so amazing? They acted like they knew everything, making those of them in higher positions feel quite inadequate.

"What are you grinning about?" Xu Xian asked with some disgust, looking at Qin Zongyang, who had a timid smile on his face.

Qin Zongyang stood ramrod straight! He proudly declared, "I can only say that my eyes are incredibly discerning; I found such a promising talent in the vast sea of ​​people. What else could this be but fate? So, when you achieve great things in the future, remember your teacher!"

Qin Zongyang was convinced that Xu Xian would achieve great things in the future. There's no way around it; success may seem unattainable for ordinary people, but it's much easier for intelligent people!

Xu Xian laughed: "If I become rich and powerful, I won't forget you, right?"

"Yes, yes, disciple will keep it in mind!" Qin Zongyang nodded in satisfaction.

This time, the aircraft maintenance engineer, whose heart was already churning with emotion, couldn't hold back any longer and asked the cockpit officer directly, "Brother who was giving me pointers earlier, were you a former aircraft maintenance engineer?"

If they really came from aircraft maintenance, even though the gap is still significant, it's still easier to accept. The worst-case scenario is that someone just casually glances at the equipment and still completely outclasses them; that's the most terrifying thing.

"No, that's why! He's feeling resentful!" Qin Zongyang knew immediately from the maintenance crew's words that the crew member was seeking psychological comfort.

Xu Xian ignored Qin Zongyang's sarcastic remarks and returned to the aircraft maintenance department: "I didn't transfer from aircraft maintenance. However, I did learn from other maintenance personnel for a while. Their guidance was too much of a burden for me; I just happened to remember it. Hopefully, you professionals won't laugh at me!"

Xu Xian was telling the truth; he was only benefiting from his excellent memory. Despite his expert demeanor, if you asked him to actually operate the aircraft, he probably wouldn't even be as good as a rookie mechanic. Talking big is one thing; actually doing it is quite another.

Of course, Xu Xian's words were also meant as a polite formality. He couldn't very well reply by saying that these useless mechanics couldn't even compare to an amateur like himself! That would be a sign of poor judgment.

The maintenance crew member below understood Xu Xian's meaning, but still sighed, "While theory and practice aren't the same thing, many people don't even understand the theory. Brother, you just haven't had the opportunity for practical experience. If you really had that opportunity, you'd have left us far behind! I know that!"

Their practical skills are currently stronger than Xu Xian's, but that's only because Xu Xian has no intention of entering this field. If Xu Xian were to actually join, after a period of training, he would definitely leave them far behind.

This is the difference between people! The difference in talent!

The maintenance crew had put it that way, and it was really hard to respond. Xu Xian glanced at Qin Zongyang, who pursed his lips and continued, saying to the crew, "This kid's only good memory; he's not very good at anything else. Don't underestimate him!"

"Haha! Captain, you mean well!" the maintenance crew laughed.

Qin Zongyang: "You really gave them a hard time!"

Xu Xianyi shrugged, feigning innocence: "I just wanted to be faster!"

After the aircraft was in position, Qin Zongyang set the parking brake, and the maintenance crew engaged the wheel chocks. At this point, Qin Zongyang contacted the maintenance crew: "Do you need to come aboard?"

Qin Zongyang was worried that the maintenance crew would need to come up and do some work. Of course, it would be best if they didn't have to come up, so they wouldn't have to open the hatch a second time. Opening the hatch a second time due to technical reasons wasn't a big problem, but if it was necessary, they would have to call ground service to dock the bridge, which Qin Zongyang found troublesome.

"I'll go up there for a bit! I need to pull the trip switch when we're changing the lights!" the maintenance worker said.

"Pull the switch? I can do that too!" Qin Zongyang said, "It doesn't matter who pulls it!"

Pilots know how to confirm the trip switch position. However, it's not usually needed. It's only used in certain specific situations, such as in some quick monitoring forms!

In principle, it is not recommended for pilots to operate the trip switch without authorization. However, operating the trip switch under the guidance of maintenance personnel is a different matter.

"Captain, the spare parts are in place! I'll go check the location of the trip switch!" the maintenance crew member said.

There are two panels in the cockpit, the P6 panel and the P18 panel, which are covered with a dense array of circuit breakers. Although there is a certain pattern to them, it is still difficult to remember them by memory alone.

"The parts are in place? You only took the lights? You didn't even take the gaskets or anything!" Xu Xian asked. The lights and the surrounding accessories should have been delivered in two batches. It's amazing how quickly they arrived!

"Um," the maintenance engineer was really at a loss for words. He couldn't very well say that the external components were just a joke.

"There's no rush for the later parts, since the probability of them being used is very small," the maintenance engineer casually offered as an excuse.

"I see! If you don't mind, the trip switch for the left fixed landing light should be P18-3 B15 EXTERIOR LIGHTING LANDING LEFT FIXED. The right fixed landing light is P8-3 C14 EXTERIOR LIGHTING LANDING RIGHT FIXED," Xu Xian said. "I'm not sure if the maintenance technician has the correct trip switch position. If it's correct, I hope we can start replacing the lights immediately!"

"This... seems to be it!" The maintenance crew wasn't sure if the location was correct, but the name was right, because the direct English translation was "fixed landing lights on both sides," which was easy to verify.

"I'll start by looking at the passenger seats. As long as the names match, it should be fine!" Qin Zongyang said.

The maintenance worker replied, "That's right! As long as the name is correct! Just let me know when you've connected it, and I'll get started. After it's done, we'll need the captain's help to test it!"

"no problem!"

Replacing the lights wasn't a particularly complicated task, and the flight wasn't in a rush. After contacting air traffic control and the company, both indicated that there were no restrictions at the destination airport, everything was ready, and we could go anytime without any waiting or flow control measures.

Only after receiving this news did Xu Xian feel a little relieved.

About half an hour later, all the lights were replaced. After a power-on test to confirm that everything was normal, the maintenance log was passed through the side window. After writing the maintenance record and issuing a new release order, the log was returned to Qin Zongyang. Only then was the job considered complete.

After confirming there were no issues, the plane was seen off again. Upon returning, the maintenance worker pulled his colleague aside to the lounge and immediately asked, "Did you find it?"

A colleague handed his phone screen to the maintenance crew: "We found it! The only person on this flight who overlaps with the last one is Xu Xian. Here's his employee information, take a look!"

Anyone within the company can view a colleague's basic information, but only basic information such as photo, date of employment, email address, landline number, and mobile phone number.

Of course, frontline employees like Xu Xian don't have landline numbers; only regular ground staff do.

"This is a spotless newbie who's only been with the company for two or three months!" the maintenance worker exclaimed. "Does the flight department even know they have a genius there?"

"Maybe they don't know! If they did, they'd be worshipping him by now!" The colleague sighed, filled with endless sorrow: "When will our aircraft maintenance circle produce a superstar like Xu Qing? Then, we aircraft maintenance workers can finally make a name for ourselves."

Today, the aviation industry is no longer as closed off as it used to be. Since Xu Qing became the first person to break into the mainstream, outstanding individuals in the aviation industry have had the opportunity to become star-like figures. However, aircraft maintenance personnel do not have such a path to advancement.

If every industry produces someone who can lead the times, then everyone who follows will benefit. Unfortunately, no such person has appeared in aircraft maintenance!

"If we can get out, that would be a miracle!" The maintenance worker waved his hand. "Are you planning to go there once the new airport is built?"

When Dianyungang Airport was first built, it was located in a relatively remote area. However, after nearly twenty years of development, the area around Dianyungang Airport has gradually become prosperous. Dianyungang Airport has begun to restrict the expansion of the city, and the relocation of the airport is now in the practical implementation stage.

It should be noted that the newly completed and tallest building in Yunnan Province, the Xinfeng Building, is located on the 45-degree radial line at the tip of runway 21. Yunnan Airport is gradually being surrounded by urban buildings. Noise pollution is becoming an intractable problem.

Therefore, the new airport is already under construction! Because the new airport is adjacent to the Kunyang River, it is named Kunyang Airport.

Once the new airport is completed, Yunnan Airport will only retain a minimum number of flights, and most personnel will be transferred to the new airport.

"The new airport is too remote! It takes an hour and a half to get there from my house. Who can stand that? We'll see how it goes," my colleague said. "By the way, how's the new airport project progressing?"

"The foundation has only just been leveled; it'll probably take a while longer." The maintenance crew member, however, knew some details: "Right now, the new airport only has two dirt runways; it's a long way off! Later, they should be opening a bus route to the airport, which will make things more convenient."

Once the new airport is completed, public transportation will definitely need to follow. Subways, being extremely expensive and slow-progressing projects, will likely have to wait a while; public buses should be connected first.

"The soil here doesn't have a high clay content, so even if we wait for it to compact, it'll probably take quite a while!" the maintenance worker exclaimed. "It's going to be a very long process!"

(End of this chapter)