As a Lease Co Rep - who has done about 50 of these 'Demo Flights' - my thoughts go out to all these good guys - obviously they didn't intend for it to all end like it did....but these flights are potentially tough ...combination of post maintenance defects, non standard procedures, crew from two airlines & the Leasing co...and the time pressure to Return the Aircraft can cause problems. The time pressure is usually pretty severe given the money involved in these aircraft transfers...but needs to be removed from the actual flight scenario if at all possible.
Two main points I'd like to make are:
- a good complete and frank brief is essential - the written 'Demo Flight Schedule' needs to be very familiar to all parties and an 'Approved Demo Flight Schedule' at that - and possible scenarios (airspace, time or inop systems) discussed...safety is the primary concern - not the on-time Return of the Aircraft. The Demo Schedules are well thought out - and should normally be followed without deviation...we're not 'Test Pilots' - we're carrying out a routine Demo Flight - nothing more. Good systems knowledge is essential however.
- there can only be one Captain on the aircraft ...and it shouldn't be the Lease Rep (we usually sit in the jump seat) nor the new airlines Pilot (also usually on the Flight Deck) - but should be the Returning airline Capt - it is him and his FO who are working the Demo Flight Schedule and flying the aircraft. As the Leasing Rep or new airline pilot - our job is to observe only... and assist if requested - ie a good CRM environment. This needs to be discussed and made clear to all parties at the pre Flight Brief.
As the Leasing Rep I've always insisted on these two points...but I believe this is not always so.
As I say - tragic crash - and one which hopefully all of us will learn from. Thoughts are - as always - with the families.
Rgds
Gnd_Chk_Satis
Last edited by Gnd_Chk_Satis; 7th April 2009 at 01:24.