Also watched the Alaska Airlines’ MD-80 elevator jackscrew failure on National Geographic Channel (may still be rerun). Clearly stated that a whistleblower in the states can forget about ever finding work again in the same industry.
UAL 811 was aired the other day. A survivor dryly observed: “Manufacturers/operators budget the loss of a hull or two and some hundred souls every few years. COST OF DOING BUSINESS.” Improved parts may only be a few bucks, but the down-time to replace them is what really threatens safety. Also, these a/c were designed in an age when the cost of proper maintenance was never questioned.
What else to be expected? We demand cheaper airline travel, so they gotta cut costs anywhere.
