Today (that would be Sunday 21 August) marks the 21st day in a row that I've worked at the day job. All of these days were at least 8-hour days, and most were closer to 10-hour days. All that work comes from having three aircraft in work and only four technicians to work them. We are fortunate in that our company has several locations across the country, and we can ask those other locations for assistance if we really need it. Even with the extra hands, though, we had to burn the midnight oil to get things finished so we could hope to meet that ever-important delivery date. We're not batting 1.000, though–the first was supposed to leave tomorrow, but we found a few items on the post inspection run that didn't work properly. So, we had to work today, troubleshoot, and order parts. The second and third are supposed to deliver by Wednesday. So far, those two look like they are on schedule–and that prompts a second discussion, since the first airplane is an older airframe while the other two are a little fresher. Time takes a toll on even the best maintained machines. They are, after all, still machines–parts wear out, wires age, new systems replace old (and the replacement isn't always done with the same sense of craftsmanship as it could be), and, in the end analysis, they can't last forever.
And, if that weren't enough fun, there are two more airplanes due to start work tomorrow. These two don't have as involved a workscope as the first three, but you never know what you'll find during an inspection, so all you can do is give the customer an estimated inspection completion date, which is subject to change after the findings are discussed and quoted.
To add insult to injury, my Jury Duty obligation begins tomorrow morning. I have mixed feelings–being assigned to a jury will at least give me a period of time where I can keep more or less "normal" hours out of the heat and humidity. But that also includes the risk of being sequestered, which carries the thoughts from the castaways on "Gilligan's Island"–No phone, no light, no motorcars…
The other part of me understands that I have a civil obligation, but that I also have an obligation to my employer. We truly are swamped with work, and fewer hands aren't going to get things done any faster. I don't know, I guess I'll just have to wait and see how things shake out. If it comes to that, I hope I have an understanding judge. If not, I'll play it as it comes…
Modeling? Are you kidding? The only modeling-related activities I've participated in have been the monthly AMPS and IPMS meetings. I also stopped in to the local Hobby Lobby and found they had several of their kits on the Clearance shelf at a pretty good price–naturally, I had to adopt some of them. And, if I get a chance, I may go back and minesweep some more.
A note of some not-so-good news: The shop where I work part-time is closing. I'll still be able to put in some hours at the other location in town, but this is like watching one of your creations being dumped in the bin. After all, I was there when the store opened, and actually managed the store for a time. We did a decent business, too, but staffing issues have forced the owner's hand, so he's closing the smaller of the two stores. A closer examination reveals that perhaps the smaller store wasn't located in the best place–it was located in a strip mall with several restaurants and a movie theater. The original owner was jubilant when he exclaimed that the parking lot was packed on Friday nights, but didn't take the thought to the next step and realize that a majority of that crowd was either waiting for a table to open up or waiting for their movie to start seating–I've had people drop the conversation in mid-word when their restaurant buzzer went off, notifying them of an open table, no "Thanks!", "Goodbye", or "Up yours!", they just up and walked out. Another fact lost on the original owner was perhaps the new store was too close to the original location. Rather than doubling his business, the original owner split his business and doubled his overhead. As I told the current owner, while it may seem like a setback now, in the long run it should pay off. He can consolidate things and build the business. If he wants to expand later on, he'll have the means to do so.
The hobby business, even when backed by a National franchise, can be difficult in the best of times.
I don't know when I'll be able to post for the next few days, so stay tuned. Thanks for reading, be good to one another, and I bid you Peace.