Culpability

[777300ER]

Does anyone else find today's Concorde accident ruling disturbing? At a time when aviation professionals are being constantly cut down, and wages/renumeration are clearly in an established downtrend, it is disturbing that a fellow professional is being held criminally responsible for his actions. We work in an industry of unlimited variables, and we too could easily find ourselves at the wrong end of a story like this. It seems like we are getting it from every direction these days... Where does it end?

[Sqwak7700]

Well it depends triple. If the guy knew that he was using the improper materials for fixing the DC-10, then that is reckless behavior. No different than using bogus parts.

You have to differentiate between an honest mistake and willing non-compliance to save a buck or cut a corner. This applies to everyone in the aviation industry. If you willingly violate established procedure you might at some point be held liable for your actions.

Now if he was following company established procedures then that is a different story. Don't know all the details, but I would assume that since he was given the blame that he was acting on his own accord or that he at least knew the repair he was making was not following procedure.

[Yonosoy Marinero]

that he at least knew the repair he was making was not following procedure.

Valid, but then the question is: Was CO aware of that and happy for him to go ahead and do it anyway.

It wouldn't be the first time that an airline pushes its engineers or pilots to operate outside the regulation to cut corners only to point the fingers at them whenever investigators start gathering around the flaming wreck...

There is a reason the words 'pilot error' or 'human error' are always written somewhere on an investigation report. Blaming the employee clears the airline's management from any liability. All they get is a slap on the hand, maybe a small fine, and a recomendation to improve training.

[Sqwak7700]

It wouldn't be the first time that an airline pushes its engineers or pilots to operate outside the regulation to cut corners only to point the fingers at them whenever investigators start gathering around the flaming wreck...

True, that does happen, but it is often the case that pressures are just in the employee's head. How many times have you flown with pilots that are rushing to get out on time? Safety first, right? If you have an aircraft with 8 orange stickers that require heavy DDG reading and comprehension, then I think it is pretty safe to assume and EXPECT to push back a little late (especially with a two man crew). You should never rush safety sensitive tasks.

You also see crews that are afraid of taking fuel for fear of being "on a list". There are all sorts of examples were employees imagine these pressures from management, but it is all in their heads really. I have one of the lowest opinions of our leaders, but I must say, I've never felt any pressure to do something opposite from what is written in our manuals.

[777300ER]

It wouldn't be the first time that an airline pushes its engineers or pilots to operate outside the regulation to cut corners only to point the fingers at them whenever investigators start gathering around the flaming wreck...

Spot on... We get paid to make decisions. Nobody will ever hand you a metal for the good ones, but they will sure hang you up when you $%^# up. Furthermore, we are forced to ride a fine line between pleasing the company, and complying with the law. As a pilot, you have a legal obligation to be fit prior to commencing a duty. The company on the other hand has a history of terminating pilots at their discretion based on sickness records. Meanwhile our perceived "value" continues to plummet.

[Maple Leafs]

It wouldn't be the first time that an airline pushes its engineers or pilots to operate outside the regulation to cut corners only to point the fingers at them whenever investigators start gathering around the flaming wreck...

Remember this when you are asked to use discretion or asked to use discretion when rostered within 5 minutes of an FTL. When you do, you are on your own if something happens.

Some believe their name will go on a list if discretion is not used……….. well NR has done his job to spread the fear.

[spannersatcx]

Whether the 'pressure' is real or perceived makes no difference, it's there.

[Grinch]

White Wash

Operator and Manufacture bare no responsibility?

Should have had self sealing fuel tanks from Day 1.

Some facts:
CONCORDE SST : RETURN TO FLIGHT - MODIFICATIONS
Self Sealing Fuel Tank Demonstration.