Yes, and it doesn't help that their geographical base of ops is so prone to corrosion issues.

(Written on 07/25/2021)(Permalink)

The stress-filled lives of all individuals (good or bad) involved begin long before they arrive at the airport and that includes all the aviation related employees, as well. Most live in a pressure-cooker these days, and just the process of getting on the plane can be needlessly stressful. Just think of all the little things that add-up by the time you get on the plane, and then having to deal with un-civil people, either general public, or airline employee is enough to trigger these events. Add alcohol, caffeine, a combination or other drugs to the mix and there you go. The problems are societal.

(Written on 07/24/2021)(Permalink)

Uhhh, no, they went bankrupt because of "Corporate and Government Warfare". Neither their competition and their lobbyists, nor the IATA Consortium and their lobbyists were going to allow Laker to exist for long and the DC-10 debacle was their "perfect-storm".

(Written on 07/24/2021)(Permalink)

The word "conspiracy" exists for a reason. Not everybody drinks the Kool-Aid and no, apparently, not everybody died with Jim Jones. The Government mind-set is that people tend to forget quickly. They are right. After enough time has passed, nobody cares anymore. Manipulation of the masses is easy and effective.

(Written on 07/24/2021)(Permalink)

The FAA already knows and have turned the usual "blind-eye" to the problems. Somebody knows somebody who lobbies for the State of Hawaii in Washington, wink, wink. The JT-8D engine was nearly bullet-proof with proper care, back in the day. Now, with parts and overhaul getting more expensive, they are cutting corners. Pratt's R-2800's were also reliable by the standards, back in the day. Just ask a good outfit like Everts how much care it takes to keep them going properly these days, especially on the low-octane gas available. Some outfits spend the money and some cut-corners. It's always about the $$$$$$$$$.

(Written on 07/24/2021)(Permalink)

Typical of Government Agencies. They are almost totally re-active. Fortunately, this time people didn't die. It always takes a crash to shed light on the FAA's shortcomings. Now they will play the game of "Cover their Asses". Politics as usual.

(Written on 07/24/2021)(Permalink)

If there are pilots for C-46's and DC-6's they will find pilots for anything!

(Written on 07/10/2021)(Permalink)

Issues related to structural mods and weight involved or size-effect?

(Written on 07/10/2021)(Permalink)

Apparently Amazon is in love with the 763's. Great airplane for the money. Too bad there are not more A-306's available as those make a nice carrier as well. If a market ever develops for lots of over-size cargo maybe the mission-limited A-380's will have a revival.

(Written on 07/09/2021)(Permalink)

They better dredge that airplane up from the bottom and find out what happened. JT8D's are nearly bullet-proof as long as they receive proper maintenance and care. The insurers and FAA are going to put the squeeze on that airline if it looks like negligence on their part. Corrosion? Contaminated fuel? Timed-out parts? There are plenty of things they will have to investigate.

(Written on 07/09/2021)(Permalink)