Nigegilb:
Are the MoD really that stupid?
Bad or Mad, it really makes little difference as they have to be made to change their ways. You are right to identify A400 as the next mad MOD decision to be put right, but these tactical threads, Hercules, Nimrod, Chinook and now A400, though in the end successful (to date), take that most precious commodity of all, time. Time is of the essence, as the lawyers would remind us, especially with Flight Safety as it is not only money at stake but, far more importantly, lives. The reform of your new ministry is pressing, Secretary of State, and the most pressing reform of all is the enforcement of Military Airworthiness, including fitness for purpose as Nigegilb reminds us. Your officials will tell you that it is already in hand and that you have no need to worry. You have every need to worry I'd say, and the solution is to remove such authority from the MOD entirely to a separate MAA. There the MOD's arrangements for the likes of A400's fitness for purpose, over and above basic airworthiness, will be found wanting. That entire fleet needs the full implementation of protection now restricted to a few, for that fleet's purpose is war and it must be made fit for that purpose.
Good TV interviews today, Nigel and Chappie, you both speak out so well on behalf of us all. Well done to both of you!
