Financially punishing late airlines???

Financially punishing late airlines???

Author
Discussion

srebbe64

Original Poster:

13,021 posts

236 months

Monday 18th September 2017
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If a flight is cancelled, or delayed beyond a certain length of time, the airline is financially punished. Am I the only one that gets uneasy about this? I was talking to a pilot a while ago who had a minor technical issue on his aircraft (slightly suspect sensor somewhere). His gut instinct was to get it sorted, which would have cost the airline a penalty, which he duly did in fact. However, he was worried about getting it in the neck from his superiors. Is there not an obvious conflict of interest between staying on time and passenger safety? I wonder if there will have to be an accident before there is a change in legislation??

Chucklehead

2,729 posts

207 months

Monday 18th September 2017
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They're sitting at the pointy end so have as much skin in the game as you do.

Hedgeman

661 posts

230 months

Monday 18th September 2017
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Airlines operate a minimum equipment list, which determines which systems may be defective but not affect flight safety.

Ultimately though it's the captain's decision if the plane is airworthy, even if the MEL is met. So long as they can justify their decision, I would not expect any comeback, at least with a reputable western airline.

One of my best mates is a senior captain for BA and has never had his judgement questioned in these scenarios.