Does it seem odd how "whistleblower" incidents are treated differently? At least this former airline chief engineer has the integrity to step up and, personally, own his allegations.

(Written on 11/10/2019)(Permalink)

I assumed the design intent of the "MAX" was increased flight endurance and capacity, associated pilot type/class rating is the FAA's decision. Here again, the FAA issues both aircraft "Air Worthiness Certifications" and pilot licensing criteria. Regardless, most domestic airlines conduct simulator-based recurrent pilot training that can be programmed to "simulate" almost any flight condition and/or flight-deck system abnormality. The key is: Pilot Training & Experience! Statistics show the cause of most vehicle accidents/incidents is inexperienced young drivers.

(Written on 20/09/2019)(Permalink)

Automation on the flight deck is great until it malfunctions; at that point the acquired flying skill sets of the crew takes over. Domestic aircraft manufacturers design and build passenger aircraft under the regulatory compliance/oversight of the FAA, domestic airlines purchase and operate aircraft under regulatory compliance/oversight of the FAA. How much control does the FAA have over foreign airline purchasing and operations? Is it remotely possible the underlying causation of the tragedies originated with flight crew training, routine maintenance of the aircraft, ground handling and/or rudimentary weight & balance envelope criteria? In all the "finger pointing" surrounding the related tragedies, I've not heard any "armchair critiques" of the foreign airline's operational form, function, or compliance track record. As sad as these tragedies are, I'm thoroughly convinced neither the FAA, Boeing, or any domestic airline would by commission or omission intentionally put l

(Written on 20/09/2019)(Permalink)

If the American aircraft industrial complex is so inherently corrupt, tainted and suspect as some appear to believe here, how is it possible any American-made aircraft is still flying? Believing and/or suspecting American aircraft designers, manufacturers and FAA would selectively conspire to put certain aircraft passengers/crew at risk of death is an extremely sad commentary on the state of our society. Boeing and the FAA are people, not one person in either of those organizations go to work with the intent to kill people. No, I'm not associated with either organization, I'm just a King Air pilot that has enjoyed flying American-made aircraft and keeping that aircraft airworthy within FAA regulations.

(Written on 02/08/2019)(Permalink)

It's a sad commentary on our society to believe people and/or organizations would knowingly/intentionally put human lives at risk merely for a profit motive. The FAA, Southwest Airlines and Boeing are not in business to put people's lives in danger, that's a shameful and absurd accusation whether you call it "collusion" or not. Good hardworking Americans work for these entities and fly on these aircraft. What is the incentive for a company not to have every employee's safety their number one goal and concern at all times. This lawsuit should be dismissed by the court and the attorneys sued for wasting the courts time with a frivolous lawsuit.

(Written on 19/07/2019)(Permalink)

Wow, the term collusion has captivated the legal community. Is there a possibility of "collusion" among the plaintiff and defense attorneys in this country? We have no domestic accident or incident involving a Boeing "Max 8" and yet "Southwest customers" allege collusion. Now, how would a customer(s) base know anything about the deep internal workings/dealings between any airline and their manufacturer? Could it be investigating government agency attorneys/staff are leaking information (i.e., colluding) with their attorney acquaintances to hoodwink so-called "customers" to get involved for a potential big payoff? This smells.

(Written on 19/07/2019)(Permalink)

I'm not sure I understand why Capt. Sullenberger feels compelled to offer his "armchair" opinion on these tragedies. To my knowledge Capt Sullenberger never worked for the FAA, flown this aircraft, or been involved in aircraft engineering system design for any manufacturer. Yes, Capt. Sullenberger performed admirably in his, spectacularly, successful water landing which was achievable because of his extensive flying experience. In turn, the FAA, Boeing and other domestic aircraft manufactures have built a tremendous air safety record. I think the all-inclusive domestic airline industry, that provided Capt. Sulenberger a career and nice pension, deserves some respectful benefit of the doubt.

(Written on 22/03/2019)(Permalink)

Wow, is the air-traveling "adult" actually capable of this level of absurdity? Sounds like an elementary school playground.

(Written on 20/10/2017)(Permalink)

Is Delta Airlines claiming the US government never subsidized its domestic airline industry i.e., pre-deregulation? Foreign airlines don't deal with onerous labor unions and EPA regulations; just a few of the fixed operating cost factors that tilt the global playing field for Delta and others. We have the best domestic airline industry in the world, Americans need to develop some biased patriotism and stop acting like Hollywood elitist e.g. Jennifer Aniston

(Written on 30/06/2017)(Permalink)

Commerical airline travel is not the only mode of transportation. If a traveler(s) must be somewhere in the continental US, or the world, and absolutely must not be inconvenienced in any way, they should buy their own airplane/pilot, charter an airplane, become a U.S. Congressman/Senator, drive a car, take a cruise ship, ride the train or buy a ticket on a "Silver Dog" (i.e., Greyhound Bus). At least the UAL passengers weren't robbed like the Bay Area Rapid Transit ("BART") passengers were at a station in Oakland, CA. Did the media flood the airways with this coveage, did ("BART") refund the passengers money and then fall all over themselves aplogizing? Are inconvenienced (robbed) rapid transit passengers not worthy of media coverage?

(Written on 28/04/2017)(Permalink)