If I had to guess... Colgan has had a big problem from day one of their operation. They (management) like to fly airplanes that are broken. They (again, management) would like (unofficially) captains to refrain from writing items up, Both MEL and non MEL items, until the flight day is over, and or an airplane and mechanic are co-located with enough time to take care of any problems.
In the past 18 months since the fatal accident, the FAA (Eddie and Freddy) have been keeping close tabs on Colgan. These close tabs include unannounced ride a longs (as passengers) as well as ramp checks up the wazo. In doing these checks, problems have been identified that need to be corrected.
When you're used to writing things up at the end of the night or not.. and someone says to you.. Hey you.. Is this a problem.. And you say.. Not really.. We'll take care of it later.. and that person who said hey you in the first place was from the FAA... Get the picture?? Not good!!
This is what's happening right now.. and from what I hear, it's happened 6 times in one form or another in the last few months.
My guess is that today's call was to warn, I mean remind crews that the FAA is watching and that they need to play by the rules for a while.
It also doesn't help when an aircraft that is on the ground waiting for maintenance decides to just load up and go...resulting in an engine shutdown and emergency air return back to the departure airport.
Last airline I can remember with this much oversight was shut down after 12 or so months without improvement. I hope they can get their stuff figured out. A lot of good people there!
