Rob, I always ride along! I can use the r/t seat time:)

Robert,Perhaps you hadn't heard. Our Turbines our externally lubricated :-lol . I can honestly say I have never released an A/C I wouldn't put my wife and kids on. RegardsPaul:-cool

Paul-From our many discussions- I would never have doubted that! In my years at UAL I never saw an airplane leave the gate that I wasn't 100% comfortable with either!From my position now as a Chief Pilot- I think I just get to see more....I spend vast amounts of time interacting with non-mechanical, non-flying administrators who are very concerned about the statistical performance of the airline- and they don't always appreciate the importance of the operational checks-and-balances...So sometimes I have to step back and remind myself that "The System Works." Mechanics put their credibility on the line- pilots put their credibility on the line- and if either one feels that it is unsafe- they pull the plug.Ain't our jobs grand?Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

I totaly agree Rob! The thing that stresses me out is trying to make schedules with equipment that is a little long in the tooth! Lately we have been having a rash of problems with vapor cycle air conditiong systems craping out. Some of my fellow mechs have the attitude of "just fly it!" But I tell ya, I wouldnt want to be #28 in line at LGA roasting in that cockpit! Now your getting into a safety of flight issue. I guess we all have our crosses to bear! P.S. All the required paperwork is hurting us as far as taking maint. delays because of it! Everybody has to get together to streamline this! AS MECHANICS WE HAVE MORE PAPERWORK THAN A DOCTOR HAS TO FILL OUT!!!

Hey JimIsn't that the old saying for mech's"The Job ain't done until the weight of the paperwork equals or exceeds the weight of the Aircraft" :-lolRegardsPaul:-cool

True! I had to take a roadtrip to KPVD to change both nose wheels on a SAAB 340, It took me 10 min. to do that, and 20 min to do the paperwork!

Chris,you might be interested in checking this site out: http://www.pmflightplanner.com.There you can go through some steps to create your flightplan and then create a briefing package (dispatch) that you can download or have it sent to your emailadress. The site just got online and they are improving it all the time. A great concept!Regards,Krister