Nope, sorry FL but ‘tis other way around. I came to this business in the naïve expectation of high standards all around. Experience has taught me. My post was deliberately provocative because I think the whole SEP LAM scenario needs revision. Whilst it reflects my own experiences accurately, it can’t be held as representative of the whole trade. Genghis saw that but you and A&C appear to have taken it quite literally. Though two howls in a fortnight is not much for such a membership. There's a lot of silence out there…….
I have never put an aircraft with an organization of the size you describe and I think the concern is greater towards the margins of this business. However, before you jump for joy, I’ll give you this anecdote and, before anyone asks, no, I don’t remember.
Whilst relating my woes to another PBO (poor b***** owner) who happened to own his own motor workshop, he offered me the following story:-
Following another bout of unsatisfactory maintenance at a largish northern mo, he took his a/c to another mo, had the wings removed and trailered the fuselage to his workshop. There the engine was given a complete overhaul using parts imported direct from the manufacturer, fuselage returned, wings replaced at the second mo. and a/c flown away.
Was I shocked or even surprised by this relevation? No. At the time I was reeling from one of my own experiences. It seemed an eminently satisfactory solution to a familiar dilemma. So, somewhere, maybe to this day, there is an O-320 flying that is far better than its logbook indicates. Illegal maintenance. Yes. Unsafe? Who knows? But is it any worse than his alternative? Most likely not. I know there are plenty of daft owners out there, possibly me included. But our neck is on the line and that is a powerful incentive for getting it right. Far more motivational than an underpaid and resentful or maybe envious engineer will ever feel. So, I’ll throw it open to everyone. Which do YOU think is the more satisfactory outcome in this case, both for those in the air and those on the ground?
On a general note. The light aeroplane fleet is getting steadily older and needing ever more conscientious TLC. Who is best placed to see that they get it?
My next epistle might include “An Owners’ potted guide to engineering traps and pitfalls”. I’m thinking about it.
FFB. If you are not happy with the direction of this thread, I don’t mind if you delete it. Private flying or Tech log might be more appropriate.