Cream puff, I'm not. Arguing with regard to charter, I agree 100% that the paying public deserve to be carried in aircraft that comply.
I still have issues with what constitutes a defect and the way that defect may be cleared.
If we take the proverbial emu strike, and I detect a slight dent in the LE, where is the common sense in requiring an engineers presence when I can ring him, describe exactly the position and measurements of the ding and obtain his opinion if this is indeed a defect or no more than hangar rash.
Furthermore, if my c172 autopilot goes inop, am I supposed to terminate my day VFR flight?