There’s Hacking, then there’s Engineering, then there’s “Doing It Right.” For me, Doing It Right is always something to aspire to, even if I don’t always have the time, tools, or expertise.
Recently, my granddad (94 years old today and one of the most inspiring people I know) gave me a notebook that he had kept roughly sixty years ago, while working for Capital Airlines (later part of United Airlines.) It’s full of great information and fascinating details about 1950s airliner technology — Lockheed Constellations and Douglas DC-4s, including details on specific aircraft owned by Capital Airlines. I’m working on scanning it in, and will post the whole book on this site when done, since he was kind enough to give me his permission.
An unassuming notebook, but one filled with information!
Talking with my granddad about engineering topics — anything from multi-row propliner engines to repairing an AC blower in a Chevy van — has always been inspiring. Here is a guy who dedicated his career to Doing It Right. (How many people not only follow the proper maintenance procedures for their lawn mower and generator, but keep detailed records of the work done on a clipboard in the shed?) I’m still learning from his example.
Here are a few of the highlights I’ve found so far while going through the notebook. (I’m working on uploading higher-resolution versions.)
Apparently there's OK-overspeed and too-fast-overspeed.
Magneto troubleshooting procedure. #16 cylinder will be the first to misfire.
Sometimes a fuel leak is OK, and sometimes it's not. Here's how you tell.
Ferrying a Lockheed Constellation with the nose gear doors removed. Buffeting was experienced until the flaps were lowered (which would put the plane in a more nose-down attitude.) That must have been quite an adventure!
A hand-drawn valve diagram. Artistry was the AutoCAD of the day!
Qualified to service Lockheed Constellation aircraft!
Happy birthday, Granddad — and thanks for being such a great role model for several generations of engineers!
A most inspiring article, and it’s obvious that you carry on your grandfather’s tradition. Keep writing.
What an inspiring man your grandfather is! And, you’re lucky to realize it. Reading about him makes me feel sad for the legions who think that “good enough” will do. They’re squandering their talents. They’ll never savor the satisfaction nor the pride that comes from a job well done. Neither will they inspire anyone else as your grandfather has.
Too bad.