Aviation safety issues are typically the result of a sequence of events. In the world of aircraft maintenance, breaking the accident chain starts with informed and careful reporting of maintenance issues.

My friend and airline captain Brian Schiff experienced this firsthand following an incident with smoke in the cockpit. During a previous flight, the prior crew noticed a burning smell. They turned off the air circulation fan and the smell seemed to dissipate. They reported the issue to maintenance, noting that the fan was causing the burning smell. Maintenance replaced the fan and returned the aircraft to service. Schiff was next to fly the aircraft, and he also experienced smoke in the cockpit. Instead of simply turning off the fan, he took a more thoughtful approach, systematically switching off related items until the smoke stopped. The source of the smoke, it turned out, was the wing anti-ice system. Turning off the fan merely masked the real problem.

As mechanics, we rely heavily on the reports that we get from pilots about issues with the aircraft. There’s only so much that we can inspect on the ground, and many issues can be complex or intermittent. It's important to have a “partner in the cockpit” who can give us the best information possible to identify and isolate a problem. That starts with a clear head and good data.

Here is my three-step approach to strategic squawk reporting:

Step 1: Set yourself up for success

We live in an age of advanced avionics that can provide better data for diagnosis than any pilot can from memory. If you don’t have an engine monitor in your aircraft, I implore you to consider installing one. I’ve heard countless pilots state that their aircraft are “too simple to justify a fancy engine monitor.” This may be true when it comes to aircraft operation, but it’s never true when it comes to diagnosing problems. Sure, a simple Lycoming four-cylinder engine with a carburetor doesn’t need a full suite of cylinder head temperature, exhaust gas temperature, oil, volt, amp, and fuel/oil temperature and pressure sensors for routine flying. However, the entire setup can quickly pay for itself in reduced maintenance hours when problems arise because it provides all the data necessary to pinpoint the issue.

If you reframe the benefit of an engine monitor as a diagnostic tool, it makes sense to have one in just about any aircraft that has an electrical system. The decision about what sensors to install should be based on what they can tell you when something goes wrong. Engine monitors can be useful in diagnosing ignition issues, fuel issues, induction leaks, electrical issues, and even valve issues. In the case of Lycoming engines, I’ve seen several cases where engine monitor data helped identify and solve valve issues that could have resulted in complete engine failure.

In addition to engine monitors, many avionics including the Avidyne IFD GPS navigators keep log files of voltage readings and some other data that you can download for later diagnosis if needed. In lieu of anything else, use your phone to record what your analog gauges are showing during an incident so that your mechanic has something to look at later.

Step 2: Keep a cool head in the cockpit

Any issue with the aircraft has the potential for distraction, which can have disastrous consequences. Above all else, fly the aircraft first and diagnose issues only when it is safe to do so. This is best accomplished with a crew of two, with one pilot focused entirely on flying and the other on working the problem. If you are flying solo, stabilize the aircraft, follow any applicable emergency checklists, communicate what you’re doing to air traffic control if applicable, and get in a low-workload environment before addressing the anomaly. If you have an autopilot, use it. You need to be in a calm and rational state of mind to safely fly the aircraft and logically work the problem.

Step 3: Know your systems and be systematic in your approach

To be a good squawk reporter (and a safe pilot) you must thoroughly understand how every system in your aircraft works. Do you know what every circuit breaker in your aircraft does? If not, consider going through them on the ground, one at a time, pulling the breaker and noting exactly what each one powers. If you find any surprises, re-label them.

The emergency checklists in your pilot’s operating handbook are a great starting point. Each section typically identifies a system of the aircraft and, by following the checklist, you can educate yourself about how the systems work and where to look for issues if you encounter an anomaly. If you have any questions about how a system in your aircraft works, set some time up with your mechanic for a structured review of each system, including diagrams from the maintenance manuals. Few pilots truly understand the details of exactly how the charging systems, hydraulic systems, gear, or flap systems really work on their aircraft. If you understand how these systems work, you’ll be well positioned to gather better data in flight to report back on the ground. Be sure to pay your mechanic for this time because it may be the best return on an investment you ever get in the world of aircraft maintenance.

Being calm, thorough, and systematic is extremely important. For example, to isolate an issue, it is important to change only one variable at a time. If your engine is running slightly rough, you might first see if it responds to mixture changes, then perhaps check the mags, then switch tanks. Every step should be intentional and related to the symptoms you’re experiencing. If you are having rpm issues, identify whether the problem is related to engine power or propeller changes. If the problem is electrical or avionics-related, simplify the systems by turning nonessential items off one by one until you can isolate the issue.

Strategic squawk reporting to your mechanic is a skill akin to good storytelling. It should have a beginning (the symptom you experienced), a middle (here is exactly what I did to isolate the problem), and an end (here is the data about what I learned). With a solid understanding of your aircraft systems and a logical approach to isolating the problem, you’ll be the best partner possible for your mechanic…saving yourself money in the process. Above all else: Fly the airplane first, never take unnecessary risks, and always follow the emergency procedures in your POH. Until next time, I hope you and your families remain safe and healthy, and I wish you blue skies.