hand solo
you obviously care about aviation and I appreciate that.
my entire point is that economics are taking too much priority in modern aviation...
consider the outsourcing of MX, without adequate oversight.
consider the concepts of "tankering" fuel or reducing fuel to minimums
consider the increasing scheduling situations which is leading to more fatigue among air crews
and even the emotional distress that aircrews and mechanics are under here in the US for taking 50% pay cuts and 75% cuts to pensions.
Obviously the BA crew took every precaution in making the flight on 3. Altering the route to a 2 engine etops route, and all.
But, if economics were completely out of the loop, would they have gone to LAX, or even SFO, DIA, ORD, or JFK before going across the pond?
In america we had a crash at CLT of a small Beech 1900, part of the problem was out of date weight tables ( not too many americans are still under 200 pounds with carry on luggage) AND outsourced MX by a mechanic who didn't rig the elevator cable correctly.
Economics are a factor to professional flight crews, BUT the Bean COUNTERS have made it too much of a factor. Pilots must stand up to the bean counters.
over to you
jon