Where's the FAA on this?

[Dan Roman]

Since it appears the Chief Pilot and VP of Flt Ops of Spirit were fired simply because they correctly declined to cross a picket line, how can this airline be allowed to operate without them. They have an important job and cannot be replaced overnight unless the FAA turns their head and allows Spirit to cut corners and not abide by the experience requirements that the regs call for.
I hope the union is including them in their back to work agreement.
Whoever made the decision to fire those guys clearly has made a very petty and emotional decision over what is best for the airline.
Safety has to come before petty politics, anything less is immoral and courting disaster.

 

[flynryan15]

Since it appears the Chief Pilot and VP of Flt Ops of Spirit were fired simply because they correctly declined to cross a picket line, how can this airline be allowed to operate without them. They have an important job and cannot be replaced overnight unless the FAA turns their head and allows Spirit to cut corners and not abide by the experience requirements that the regs call for.
I hope the union is including them in their back to work agreement.
Whoever made the decision to fire those guys clearly has made a very petty and emotional decision over what is best for the airline.
Safety has to come before petty politics, anything less is immoral and courting disaster.

I maybe wrong, but the CP and DO simply quit their management positions and returned as line pilots prior to the strike. However it is the FAA so don't expect a reaction until metal is bent!

 

[Baze]

Where is the FAA? Same place they have always been... out to lunch!

 

[flynryan15]

Where is the FAA? Same place they have always been... out to lunch!

Which oddly enough is being paid for by the RAA, and various management teams from several airlines!

 

[Baze]

Which oddly enough is being paid for by the RAA, and various management teams from several airlines!

Rex Kramer's quote from the movie "Airplane" sums it all up nicely:
"Airport management, the FAA and the airlines... They're all cheats and liars!"

This was true in 1980 and still holds true to this day.

 

[OPECJet]

The RAA can only afford to buy an appetizer. They are "regional" and all.

Of wait, nevermind.... Its only the employees that make peanuts.

 

[Baze]

RAA picks up the the appetizer & dessert, while the ATA takes care of the main course and the adult beverages.

 

[ACL65PILOT]

I was told they were both replaced prior to the strike.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Dan, a clown or two doesn't stop the circus..... that goes for govt, unions, churches, ec..

 

[igneousy2]

The FAA is pretty quick to approve an interim CP or DO. The FAA is a bureaucracy as long as all the boxes are checked (names filled in on a line in this case) they only "care" about safety when it's beneficial to them.

 

[IBNAV8R]

Couple of management spots that the FAA bureaucracy requires. What, exactly, does this have to do with safety?

Please save the "safety card" for actual SAFETY issues.

 

[Draginass]

Couple of management spots that the FAA bureaucracy requires. What, exactly, does this have to do with safety?

Please save the "safety card" for actual SAFETY issues.

Because these people oversee and enforce safety standards at their airlines. They also set the corporate tone for safety culture, or lack thereof in many airlines. These positions are critical to a well-functioning and safe airline. Look at airlines that have crappy safety culture, and you'll see that reflected in the leadership of said airline.

 

[pilotyip]

The FAA is pretty quick to approve an interim CP or DO. The FAA is a bureaucracy as long as all the boxes are checked (names filled in on a line in this case) they only "care" about safety when it's beneficial to them.

Correct you have 30 days to fill these positions, much like the DO and CP killed in a car wreck going to lunch the airline does not shut down. There is a cause in the GOM about coverage of Operational Control, and there are third and fourth tier people identified to fill that position. To get a new DO or CP you just sent a resume to the FAA of a person who meets the Part 119 requirements. The FAA checks that they do not have a improper background , like known felon, revoked certificate, etc, and bingo you have a new DO.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Since DO and CP are management positions, management EXPECTED them to cross the line. It sounds like these two guys knew that was the expectation and forestalled it by resignation.

Good for them.