I'm sure we will learn something from their obvious screw-up. Having said that a Part 121 operator has a higher duty of standards and care than the folks flying 787 parts into Kansas.
There are only minor differences in the standards of cargo operators to all passenger operators. These differences are generally specific to the type of operations involved and not because cargo operators don't need to be held to the same standards. You must operate under FAR121 or a foreign equivalent to fly large transport category jets in all cargo commercial operations, even charter.
Part 121 pilots are required to be airport qualified for every Regular, Provisional, and Refueling airport set forth in their ops specs. Perhaps SWA's flight ops management shares some of the blame if their airport qualifications program is inadequate. That we don't know but I hope we eventually find out about their program.
This is complete nonsense. I understand people express opinions in here and that's fine but why post something as if you're an expert? What are you even talking about here?
Also, their HUD SOPs. Also, their requirements, or lack thereof, of using the pertinent instrument approach procedure as a backup to a visual approach.
Again...what are you talking about?
I don't buy tickets for myself or my family on cargo-hauling 747s. I do on SWA and other Part 121 airlines. I know the basic rules for landing on the correct runway at the correct airport quite well. I lived under those rules for 27 years, and they remain unchanged.
Seriously...who are you and why are you writing this? There's no way you've been a 121 pilot for 27 years and this is your understanding of things? You seriously think 121 regulations haven't changed over 27 years?
These folks came within a couple of hundred feet, or so, of going down that 40' embankment. That gives me pause for reflection as a member of the airline flying public.
Yes they came close, but they didn't. Every flight has the potential to end in disaster and every flight there are mistakes. Usually small mistakes that are mitigated by the procedures and redundancy inherent in the system. This is a mistake where the final redundancy to save them was their quick reactions to avert the disaster.
I'm not saying these guys are heroes or that they didn't screw up seriously. I'm just saying you are not qualified to judge them.