Pre flight checks... Performed by a qualified Licenced engineer, trained specifically on the aircraft type he/she is dispatching. Generally with 10 to 35 years of industry experience carrying out various levels of visual inspections, component installation and damage assessment... Removed.
Flight readiness check... Performed by an individual with 6 months Line maintenance experience... Introduced.
I was pleased to see Mr Purvinas touch on changes to Virgin's maintenance schedule during his interview this morning in a public medium, and I applaud your honesty Mr Hammer for presenting the facts to pprune readers.
While Virgin's new and obviously cost effective maintenance program is within CASA guidelines, I fail to comprehend how the "race to the bottom" attitude towards aircraft preventative maintenance is in the best interests of the Australian aviation industry and the general flying public.
My two cents..