I confess: I was a messy guy. Really.

As a young apprentice engineer, filled with motivation and... ehem... testosterone, I could not avoid running up and down all day, trying to prove myself useful.

In a hot rush to get the task done timely, and be able to jump to the next with no delay, I used to leave tools and parts all scattered around the workshop.

So, my rate of efficiency was around 50/50. For every hour spent working, I would spend another hour looking for missing stuff and cleaning up.

But soon enough I understood that I had to change my strategy if I wanted to survive in this business.

That was my Achilles heel, and a total NO-GO. I could sense it on my mentors' faces as well.

So, finally, I decided to take action.

Applying a bit of common sense, I created a mental check-list.

Making sure I had everything in place prior to starting was paramount; My tools, a moving bench (if available), parts and consumables, documentation, and a tools tray.

Everything had to be organised before, during and after the task.

At first, it took me some time to have it all ready. And I had to go mentally over and over again through my "checklist", to make sure I had followed all steps.

Later, and with time, it just happened naturally. It had become a motor skill to me and did not have to think about it. It was just like driving my car.

Nowadays I see in most maintenance manuals that this is also emphasized by the manufacturers, as a sign-off step prior to the final CRS. But it hasn't always been like that.

When I have to work with new apprentices, I always insist that a well organized working space will lead to higher efficiency, and a reduction of human error.

As I observe them, I can clearly see that everyone has to go through this in their career, meaning developing "good hygiene" habits in the work place. The earlier they learn it, the better for them.

Unfortunately, not all mentors pay attention to this point. In fact, nobody taught me so. I had to learn it by myself.

Tools must be always at check, ideally in a tools tray and never scattered around or in the aircraft.

And only when you are certain that everything is back where it is supposed to be, the aircraft shall be released. In case of doubt, man up and be honest: just report a missing tool and stop it right there before it escalates. No manager shall ever punish you for bringing up a safety concern. And if he does, well, maybe he shouldn't be a manager after all.

So, to you, young apprentice, this is my advise: take some time to develop your own good habits. Build a solid base first, and then continue adding up your experience on top of it. You can thank me later.

And, if something goes wrong, because human errors can never be totally erased, just be honest and don't be afraid to raise your hand and report.

The path to becoming a great aircraft engineer starts here.