MrFedEx
Engorged Member
Sabretech is a great example of an FAA-approved repair station that was the type of operation I described...non-union and full of new mechanics willing to work for less to build some experience. Sure, the blame was spread around. The FAA should have been more vigilant, as should have ValuJet, which still exists under a different name. Hopefully, they learned a lesson...probably not. Airlines are all about saving money, especially now. If they can outsource various "checks", they'll do it, even if the people doing the work aren't that good at it. One of the big criticisms of the FAA has been that inspectors get way too cozy with airlines and repair facilities they are supposed to be keeping a close eye on. There are a couple of airlines out there that still cut corners, and the FAA lets it happen.
In China, there is no FAA, and I'm assuming that work would be signed-off there, subject to FAA approval here. I'll check into that and get back to you.
You mentioned the DC10, which had design problems and maintenance problems which had nothing to do with design, and everything to do with shoddy maintenance. The most famous was the Chicago crash in 1979, where American Airlines (union) mechanics tried to save time by removing the engine/pylon assembly as a unit, instead of separately, as recommended by MD/Douglas. Stress cracks developed, the engine fell-off on take-off, and 279 people died. So, yes, union mechanics screw-up too, but not as often.
The DC10 was basically a good airplane that got an undeserved bad reputation.
In China, there is no FAA, and I'm assuming that work would be signed-off there, subject to FAA approval here. I'll check into that and get back to you.
You mentioned the DC10, which had design problems and maintenance problems which had nothing to do with design, and everything to do with shoddy maintenance. The most famous was the Chicago crash in 1979, where American Airlines (union) mechanics tried to save time by removing the engine/pylon assembly as a unit, instead of separately, as recommended by MD/Douglas. Stress cracks developed, the engine fell-off on take-off, and 279 people died. So, yes, union mechanics screw-up too, but not as often.
The DC10 was basically a good airplane that got an undeserved bad reputation.