Date: 201204
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Light: Night
Aircraft: Embraer Jet Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Parked
Aircraft component: Tires
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Technician
Reporter qualification: Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Airframe
Human factors: Workload; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Detector: Person Maintenance
When detected: Other During Overnight Check
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Company Policy; Chart Or Publication; Aircraft; Manuals; Logbook Entry; Staffing
Primary problem: Company Policy

Narrative: I am NOT directly involved in this particular incident. I only became aware of this situation when the Mechanic that was involved became involved in another complaint to Management last week; when a few of us discussed this particular incident openly. This is when he stated that he was told that the tire was within limits when it was clearly worn beyond limits. When he raised his objection to his night Lead Mechanic; he was summarily dismissed and yelled at. The Mechanic was also concerned about the Airworthiness Release; and the fore mentioned night Lead Mechanic grabbed the logbook and signed it himself. It is unknown whether the worn tire caused a flight delay later. With all due respect to the FAA and my fellow mechanics; I believe that the paperwork and the signatures on much of what happens on our Overnight Checks and Phase [Checks] are a farce. Many people put their signatures on a piece of paper in a climate of complacency and the Whistle-Blowers like him are treated like pariah and shunned by others. The Mechanic in question stated that as a result of his initial objection; he was consequently given hard jobs repeatedly. In my eight years at this Air Carrier; I have seen Airworthiness Release forgotten by the time of departure and 'back-entered' by another Lead Mechanic or the attending Supervisor when the flight returned later that day. Furthermore; I have witnessed that when the FAA are on our premises to conduct routine or random audits or checks; we behave completely different; i.e.; we make sure we are in full compliance in their presence and not so much when they are not. Our Management is fully aware of these improper entries and the particular Lead Mechanics and Supervisor in question; but no actions have been taken. Company Quality Control (Q/C) notices mandating change are terribly ineffective; and are nothing but a knee-jerk response to the FAA regulations; because the situation remains to this day. It is my sincere wish that anyone can see that this latest incident is merely a symptom of the malaise that stems from a clear disregard and contempt of the signature process in a climate of complacency and mis-management over the years.




Synopsis: A Line Mechanic working Embraer aircraft reports about an unprofessional maintenance work environment at his Air Carrier that he feels is symptomatic of a malaise that stems from a clear disregard and contempt of the signature sign-off process; involving a climate of complacency and mis-management over the years.