JFZ90.
I do not believe that Angus Robertson raised the issue for "political effect". He, like many of us can not get our heads round the following:
(1) IPT tasked QinetiQ to carry out a Nimrod Fuel Systems Safety Report, the cost of which was some £147,000.
(2) QinetiQ produce a draft report "for comments" in Sept 2007. This was a most unusual step, because QinetiQ normally issue the report directly. As they did with the highly critical 2006 report, the Combustion Analysis Report, Fuel Seals Report, and several others.
(3) The report was adjusted, where the pharse "tolerbly safe" was added. MoD refuse to comment on this, because they claim the all copies of the draft report have beem destroyed.
(4) Issue 1 of the report was produced in Oct 2007, in which it is stated that the system is not ALARP, and can not be considered to be ALARP until 30 recommendations are complied with. MoD's Def Stan states, not ALARP then not safe.
(5) On 4th Dec 2007, Des Browne boasts "QinetiQ has conducted an independent investigation and confirm that, in light of the measures taken since the crash, the fuel system is safe to operate" - Wrong, wrong, so wrong. At the time none of recommendations had been implemented, and AAR was still in opertion at the time the report was written.
(6) On 5th Nov 2007 there had been another major fuel system incident involving, XV235, and AAR was stopped (probably for ever).
(7) In May of this year it was confirmed that, whilst the 30 recommendations are at various stages of consideration, none have been implemented.
(8) MoD stated at the inquest that hot air pipes in the engine bay areas are to be changed by the end of the year, and 300 seals will be changes at Major. (As recommended by BAe Systems in Jan 2005).
Now, on top of all that we have the inquest findings and statements from the IPT Leader. Who, by the way, was told by the coroner after his confusing statement, "If you came here today, hoping to give reassurance to the families, then you have failed to do so".
So, please tell me, what evidence, other than gusty feelings, and the fact the Des Browne made a "political" trip in a Nimrod, do you have that supports your belief that Nimrod is safe?
DV
Last edited by Distant Voice; 21st Jun 2008 at 10:37.