Gentlemen, I hate to wade in with my 2 penny worth but:
No matter what you argue, there is still a job to be done and not enough of anything else available with which to do it. So, is it acceptable to ground the fleet and sacrifice the lives of some Squaddies who are depending on us?
Shame on you!
Remember - flying is a little more risky than sitting in an office.
Military flying carrys more risk than going on holiday in a 737.
Military flying in war carrys yet more risk and commanders accept more risk.
I still fly the mighty Rod and have recently returned from theatre - where we flew a fair few AAR trips. I would still continue to do so - albeit with a little concern - but then again, departing from an airfield in a hostile country used to give me more of a 50P-5p feeling.
I'm not saying that there isn't anything wrong with the aircraft - there may well be. However, there may well be faults with the new A3XX that nobody will know about until an accident. The revised procedures post 230 almost certainly saved 235 and her crew. That gives me at least a little confidence, moreover, knowing the guys on the BOI personally, I know that their integrity would not hide any pressing issues simply to wait for the issue of the report.
If we as aircrew are concerned then vote with our feet - I for one love flying and will stay. To the others who fly and whinge, I say if you are
that concerned then refuse to fly, and accept the consequences, or leave. If I ever reach that level of concern then I will leave also!
To the families and friends of 230, we have not forgotten our friends (and I've been in this game long enough to know and have flowm with nearly all of them), we are simply doing our best with what we have. We can't stop that to wait for new kit but we expect our government to sort out our new kit in f**king short order.
Retires and waits for the tirade!!