"These shoestring operators" who operate on the edge of being in business or not, the 100 bucks just might be the breaking point and close the door whether your cutting corners or have top notch maintenance. To say they all "jeopardize safety everyday" is pretty narrow minded Rvttgt , and just the type of attitude that were fighting. If we can't afford the extra 100 bucks on top of the skyhigh fuel taxes and parts, we should all sell our planes huh?
Well written article. I have been a mechanic for one of the larger regional carriers for 13 years now, and am constantly disgusted at the dirty business practices that seem to continually plague this country, and the airlines. I have taken repeated pay cuts in various monetary forms from my income only to have some good ol' boy group take fat bonus's for "steering the company in the right direction", seems contradictory to me. Ironically, the bonuses seem to be a large portion of the sum of our pay concessions, I call it legalized theft. Greed, lack of ethics, integrity, and honesty is what going to doom the airlines, and this country.
Agree with all, The certification requirements for aftermarket goodies, most of which enhance safety way beyond any combination of decades old certified stuff, for a reasonable cost. If a product has a proven track record in experimental world (and fly's the same airspace as I do), it should be allowed in certified a/c.
