Sarcs # 1626 –"The whole paper is well worth the time to read and IMO if Kym Bills (and his former lieutenant Alan Stray) had still been at the helm at the time of the Norfolk Ditching investigation, etc.
A subtle but essential undertone in all the Bills/Stray contributions is the reliance on "Men of good will". It is an excellent
précis of the 'philosophy' underpinning an open, 'just culture' approach; defining the 'why' of an accident and providing clear response to the 'how' of reducing the chances of similar occurring. A laudable ambition. When that spirit and intent is manipulated; perverted to the use those who seek only to 'look good', rather than do the job properly; or cover up systematic defects, rather than address them, then attempt to justify their actions, the corruption of good intention becomes evident. Willingly they go to the extraordinary lengths recently witnessed, it is then the true humiliation becomes apparent. The real tragedy is that entire departments must be tarred with the same brush; guilty by association.
Sarcs # 1626 –"Note: The ‘beyond pilot error’ (Airbus A300, American Airlines flight 587 in New York City on 12 November 2001) example on page 12-13 focuses on the progress, largely initiated by the ATSB, in Human Factors research and its relevance to AAI. (My bold)
History reflects the downfall of the ATSB, from leading edge to trailing edge; world class to sub standard and yet the beggars still trade on past glories, use the credit of better men and still dare stand up to speak to their peers (at tax payer expense). The whiff of corruption and the stench of collusion still hover over the Pel Air imbroglio.
Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides,
Who covers faults at last with shame derides.
Well may you prosper. (Lear)