Contract mx at AS

[DashTrash400]

Had a AS MD80 Captain in the jumpseat a few days ago (Horizon). He told us that recently, two MD80's were found with completely dry jackscrews - they had not been greased during (contracted out) heavy maintenance, as per the AD that came out in Alaska 261's aftermath. Apparently, the first one was found when the controls started binding during a pre-takeoff control check.

Has anybody else heard this? If it's true, it's scary sh!t, & shows that Air Group needs to really increase oversight of contract mx. QX farms out CRJ heavy mx, and I have to say that incidents like this would make me uncomfortable putting my family on a plane recently C-checked by the lowest bidder with minimal supervision.

 

[flx757]

Totally and completely false, according to the MD80 Fleet Captain. A line Captain that flies regularly, and one who has total inside knowledge to everything MD80 related.

Of course, there are those who will believe what they will.

Make up your own minds, I suppose. I'm just relaying what he said. fact, he hadn't even heard the "rumor". And those usually travel fast.

I've been as straight as possible to everyone for as long as I've been on here. But the last thing this company needs right now is more BS, especially THIS kind of BS. So, I'll call that as I see it, too.

BTW, the jackscrew is not exercised during a "control check". Only by either longitudinal trim motor. So, I find it a little suspect that one of these "dry" jackscrews was allegedly found when the controls were "binding" during a "control check".

I also completely understand all the frustration that everyone feels around this place. That won't change, no matter what. And because of that, it is hard to separate from it. I have to try, though. But that doesn't mean it is not there...every day.

 

[DashTrash400]

Thanks for the reply. I was a little curious about the control check part myself, was under the impression that the jackscrew was part of the trim system, but obviously have not flown the MD80.

Apparently my jumpseater was full of BS. If I hear the rumor being passed around, I'll do my part to set the record straight.

 

[flx757]

It's just that frustrations are very high among all the employees. Pilots, mechanics, instructors, customer service people, everyone. I don't fault anyone for anything they say. All I'm trying to do is put out the best information I have at any given time and to continue to provide whatever show of support that I can.