Wake up?
Not likely to happen
Remember, these folks operate with JT-9's, if I recall correctly, a poor engine in the beginning, not much better now.
Lets face facts here.
These airplanes (and engines) are old.
On the other hand, if they had Roller-powered airplanes, much better. Reliability can (and would) be expected.
RollsRoyce, the finest turbine engines made.
How do I know?
Personally...approaching twenty thousand command hours in Roller powered airplanes.*
Not a failure yet...only two precautionary shutdowns for either low oil pressure or high vibs.
Fact.
NB.
Further, as the 'ole L1011 has Roller power exclusively (a wise decision in my view), these airplanes are still around, earning their keep.
Expect to see at least six on the Umruh/Hajj rotations, shortly.
Reliability pays...all the way to the bank...big time.
*Darts, Conways, RB.211's.
Last edited by 411A; 4th Jul 2008 at 20:52.