tucumseh
I would not disagree;there are times, however, when fault detection and analysis are only paid lip service to - irrespective of the experience of the Aircrew.
Back in 1991 I can remember an Andover which had been left at Brize with a control restriction. No fault was found - therefore I and another very experienced (ex TQF) Captain went to do an Air Test on the aircraft. No fault was experienced in level flight, however a distinct obstruction was evident if even the slightest combination of "roll and pull" was attempted.
We returned to Brize where the Engineers were inclined to disbelieve us - so I played the trump card detailed in GASO's and impounded the aircraft. This, of course, had to be reported to Group HQ who did not seem best pleased. The engineers put the aircraft up on jacks and found the fault within 2 hours. It took another 2 days to rectify it.
I wonder how many Aircrew have read that paragraph regarding "Impounding an aircraft".