Now then Blacksheep, I didn't say that.....of course I know that many Engineering Managers were once or are still licence holders. My point was that it's the Certifying engineer's decision if the aircraft gets signed off or not, and that it will always be his legal obligation. That's where the sharp end is, and I'm happy for you that you have an understanding management. Naturally a manager would be hauled over the coals if there were an accident or incident - but then again, the entire engineering department would be under scrutiny.
But no-one can deny that there will be a continuing effort by certain types within management to let the ship go rather than lose a revenue trip - the further away from the floor the worse it gets, simply because accountants and senior managers are not engineers and don't see it from the engineers' point of view.
I hope that clears up your understanding of my standpoint. I'm not licensed, but have been exclusively in aircraft engineering since 1975 - maybe not as long as yourself, but long enough for me!
I'm on your side really.....!
