In reply to No Sig
You are quite correct I have to admit I am basing my views on the BALPA stance from the past, but please remember I am old, wrinkly and if I were to take a step back, years of dealing with one or two of BALPA’s finest have left me a little less fair minded than I possible could be.
The statement “It would erode the Capt. Responsibility”, was from a BA, BALPA rep, commenting on BALPA’s standpoint on the subject, admittedly from a few years ago
There are more companies sending people on courses for recognised qualifications and to this end the industry is starting to self regulate. These companies, who are investing in training, are by there nature likely to have Ops departments run by managers who see a bigger picture, have better set up ops and probably paying more to get in quality controllers in the first place.
An interesting analogy with nurses, my wife is a nurse, running a ward with 60 staff, making what I was as a senior controller; I believe there is a whole issue of social priorities behind that one.
E.P.
It is not only my belief, but also experience that supports your views towards the impact on flight safety, by an Operation department. I was fortunate enough to work in one of the best Ops teams of its time, where the impact of actions, on flight safety, was always a consideration. I also spent six, very unhappy, month in probably the worst Ops unit in the country, where quite the opposite was true.
I think you are absolutely right regarding accountable managers, but I would like to expand one of your points. Pilots do not only pick up Ops created mess, but as many times create their own expecting Ops to sort out, thus removing support from other areas.
I was not castigating the SRG, but merely relating my experience. I have never seen a full audit of Operational support only flight paperwork and those subjects relating to the 371. I would be prepared to bow to greater knowledge on this.
You mention JAR-Ops has changed the attitude within the authority, but surely this thread is regarding the lack of action within the authority to JAR-Ops.
Although I would never say I was an expert on the subject It is one I have followed closely for the last 25 years, in that quarter of a centurty there has been much rhetoric, but little action.
Last edited by Low life; 14th April 2007 at 08:01.