So, our Bent Banana767 is out of service for three and a half months for repairs costing almost US$2.5 million and the insurance doesn't cover the loss of service. The tug driver who hit it is claiming compensation for shock, distress and loss of earnings. The tug itself was tested and found to be serviceable. Presumably its Boeing's fault for making the landing gears too short.

If no-one is making any money, neither Airline, nor Handling Agency nor Employees, and Passengers don't want to pay more for their travel, what exactly is the answer?

**********************************. .Through difficulties to the cinema

Hi all,. .Yeh, 'V1rotate & Woodman', I consider Madrid apron as by far the most dangerous I have ever operated from, the FE has to watch out (even with hi-viz jacket!), for vehicles driving between the engines on our 747s, and not slowly!. .It seems to be taken as 'normal' there.. .Watch out.

Cheers.

KwikFix, happened to me on an MD-80 at ZRH (where the cable was attached to the jetty). They pulled back the jetty and I saw the cable get very taut -shouted through the open window but by the time he got it stopped, all the pins were bent. Anno - 1998 I think.

Hey guys, alot has been said of handlers on this thread but I can assure you not all are the same. I regulary audit our stations for ramp safety and procedures and have to say I have been very impressed by the overall professionalism. It is true, however, that all handlers must complete our own airlines training before coming near our aircraft, that is on top of their own companies training.