MAINTENANCE MINUTE By Mark Tyler
THE STANDARD YOU WALK PAST
There’s an old saying in leadership circles: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.” Nowhere is that more true than in helicopter maintenance.
We operate in an industry where details matter — torque values, safety-wire orientation, hardware stack-up, paperwork precision. More often than not, it’s not the big violations that erode our standards. It’s the small things: a drip pan left full, a wrench not returned, a dirty cowl fastener.
When we ignore these minor oversights, we send a silent message: “This is OK.” That message becomes the new norm. Over time, the baseline of excellence shifts — not by policy, but by passive permission. And once a new, lower standard becomes common, it can be difficult to reverse without intentional effort and cultural reset.
As a leader, technician, or inspector, your greatest influence might not be what you say, but what you tolerate. That loose wire bundle you walk past? The smudged placard? The improperly stowed gear? Each is an opportunity to uphold or erode the culture you’re trying to build. Leadership is just as much about silent example as it is spoken instruction.
And this isn’t limited to the shop floor. The way we document our work, the precision we apply during inspections, the way we clean up after ourselves — these are all visible markers of our mindset. They speak to whether we believe in professionalism as a value
22 July/Aug 2025
or just a policy. Because every technician who sees you correct a small issue learns that standards matter, but everyone who sees you ignore one gets the opposite message.
This isn’t about nitpicking or micromanagement; it’s about stewardship. Our helicopters reflect our standards, and our standards reflect our mindset. A clean, organized, and consistent workplace reinforces professionalism, pride, and precision. It tells the team: What we do matters; how we do it matters more.
This mindset applies whether you’re the one turning the wrench or the one leading the team. Excellence is contagious when modeled, expected, and reinforced consistently. It begins with the smallest choices made throughout the day.
So, the next time you see something that isn’t right: say something. Fix something. Teach something. Because the standard you walk past today will shape the standard your team lives by tomorrow. Let’s be the kind of leaders who raise the bar by what we notice — and by what we no longer ignore.
About the author: Mark Tyler dedicated the majority of his career to serving the helicopter EMS community, from base mechanic to director of maintenance. As vice president and general manager of Precision Aircraft Services, Tyler now serves helicopter operators from many sectors, including air ambulance, law enforcement, private owners, etc. When not at work, he can be found spending time with his family or sitting in a tree stand.
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