I don't think the intention of the AEI in raising the issue is to highlight the isuue of a cup holder in the flight deck being broken for a whole days flying before being entered as a defect.
What they are trying to highlight is the need for aircraft safety to be controlled, in an operating enviornment by engineers and pilots and not the accountants.
Regardless of how many pilots/engineers say safety comes first, everyone will will at some stage be put under commercial pressure which might compromise safety. Will everyone react in the same way?
I'm sure that lots of you out there will make the best decision every time based on safety but it only needs one decision.
With the industry becoming more and more self regulating to suit the accounting departments there is a need for the NAA's to take back more control.
This statemant and request by the AEI is a step in the right direction.