Boeing & CASA
An important fact that seems to have been overlooked is that the Boeing MPD for the 737NG does not require a full blown engineering check durring turn-arounds.
This is acceptable to CASA, and the operator of these aircraft.
With newer technology, we continue to make progress regarless of the ludities within the industry.
Navigators and in-flight Engineers are no longer requried, but the same "saftey" arguments were made when they left.
With greater reliability, new technolgies, materials and MSG3 design philosophies, there is really no need for an Engineer to perform a check durring transits, as long as the pilot performs the check to the manufactures recommendation.
Notes:
1) In Europe this is standard practice.
2) QF do the same thing in regional ports - so whats the difference ? Are we going to apply the same standards to all operators and aircraft ?