Buffalo Airways Grounded

[stans 702]

Sounds like it could be more than just violations of regs and has turned personal. TC may not be perfect, but making them look bad on TV isn't going to help your cause.

 

http://www.myyellowknifenow.com/10588/inside-buffalo-airways-suspension-whats-happening/

After reading that article, I'd say it is 25% procedural, 75% personal issues with Joe.  Government agencies should not single out individuals for such things, but it does happen.  I get the feeling that if Mikey fired his father, packed his bags and shipped him to another province, TC would lift the suspension on Buffalo Airways.

[Morrigan 90]

Government agencies should not single out individuals for such things, but it does happen. 

 

Except there is absolutely no proof that is the case. The article is written based on subjective opinion from a very biased point of view of someone paid directly by Buffalo Airways.

[z06z33 763]

It deserved to be grounded if it can't meet the safety standards.

Safety standards are great to a point but,you can't hold 60 and 70 year old planes to the same standards as a new Airbus. Most GA aircraft aren't kept to safety specs I knew a mechanic who if you gave him $500 would sign off on your annual with just a glance at the plane. We didn't use him because keeping our plane in top shape is a priority but to other it isnt. Another example is a guy at our local airport took a 172 flying that had been sitting in a hanger for 6 years without even being started no annual either,the problem is that the FAA certification process is so expensive that many GA pilots skimp on maintenance a simple part like an alternator for a car is $100 while the same part for a plane,like littery the same part number but with a certified stamp costs $700.

[CW46 101]

Safety standards are great to a point but,you can't hold 60 and 70 year old planes to the same standards as a new Airbus. Most GA aircraft aren't kept to safety specs I knew a mechanic who if you gave him $500 would sign off on your annual with just a glance at the plane. We didn't use him because keeping our plane in top shape is a priority but to other it isnt. Another example is a guy at our local airport took a 172 flying that had been sitting in a hanger for 6 years without even being started no annual either,the problem is that the FAA certification process is so expensive that many GA pilots skimp on maintenance a simple part like an alternator for a car is $100 while the same part for a plane,like littery the same part number but with a certified stamp costs $700.

I would say that is not the current state of affairs in general aviation.There will always be a few renegades in any industry that cheat or disregard the regulatory process but they a few and far between.A simple call to the local FSDO will put a stop to that activity.Any good A&P will refuse to sign off an inspection or work that it not compliant.Are you really going to use hardware that is not certified when your life is dependant on it?

[z06z33 763]

I would say that is not the current state of affairs in general aviation.There will always be a few renegades in any industry that cheat or disregard the regulatory process but they a few and far between.A simple call to the local FSDO will put a stop to that activity.Any good A&P will refuse to sign off an inspection or work that it not compliant.Are you really going to use hardware that is not certified when your life is dependant on it?

I don't use non certified parts but for something like an alternator which if it fails you can continue the safe operation of an aircraft I think jacking the price up $600 is a bit crazy.

[JRBarrett 3,069]

I don't use non certified parts but for something like an alternator which if it fails you can continue the safe operation of an aircraft I think jacking the price up $600 is a bit crazy.

I absolutely agree that it is aggravating to have to pay 10 times more for a certified part than its non-certified equivalent - (assuming that both are identical in all other regards). That has everything to do with the insurance that approved parts suppliers have to pay to defend against potential parts liability lawsuits.

 

On the other hand, one must be extremely cautious to insure that load-bearing structural parts (bolts, fasteners etc) are supplied only by legitimate suppliers and are fully certified for aviation use. There have been many instances of aircraft accidents caused by failure of non-approved fasteners that may have physically been the right size for a particular application, but in no way met the material specifications for tensile strength etc. intended by the engineers who designed the structure where they were used.

 

The so-called mechanic who "pencil-whips" annuals for a few hundred dollars should be reported to the FAA. That is inexcusable, and any individual who does so not only deserves to have his license permanently revoked, but should also face criminal charges, fines and jail time.

 

Airworthiness standards are airworthiness standards - and any aircraft that flies must meet them, no matter how old it may be. It is an unfortunate fact that the older an aircraft is, the more intense its maintenance requirements become. Metal fatigue, corrosion, embrittlement or deterioration of rubber and plastic parts - all contribute to the problem.

[z06z33 763]

The so-called mechanic who "pencil-whips" annuals for a few hundred dollars should be reported to the FAA. That is inexcusable, and any individual who does so not only deserves to have his license permanently revoked, but should also face criminal charges, fines and jail time.

He got caught a few years back after he signed off a plane that got sold with a bent wing spar.... The FAA gave him another chance and he is meticulous with record keeping and maintenance practices now.

[michal 44]

but for something like an alternator which if it fails you can continue the safe operation of an aircraft ...

Safe?? While possibly you are in IMC at night?. I don't think you know much about reality of GA accidents.

[z06z33 763]

Safe?? While possibly you are in IMC at night?. I don't think you know much about reality of GA accidents.

My point is if it fails it's not going to immediately cause a crash or forced landing like a engine failure,fire or structural failure. If you loose an alternator at night you declare an emergency find the nearest airport with an approach (if necessary). Then start shutting down everything you don't need lights interior and exterior and use a flashlight to see the gauges,secondary radios,even your primarys if you can get down into VFR,and land the engine will keep running off the mags. Your battery will hold out for sometime if your just running the basics.

[michal 44]

Your point is that pilot should never make a mistake, but they do, or that they should react coolly to a perfectly survivable in-flight emergency, but often they don't, a trivial thing like a door ajar by about 2" in flight killed one person in a Bonanza and 4 people on the ground. Therefore word 'safe' has no business here, it is actually silly. Since my life as a GA pilot might depend on an alternator - I rather take the expensive version, but if possible I take two (many Cirruses have 2).

[z06z33 763]

Your point is that pilot should never make a mistake, but they do, or that they should react coolly to a perfectly survivable in-flight emergency, but often they don't, a trivial thing like a door ajar by about 2" in flight killed one person in a Bonanza and 4 people on the ground. Therefore word 'safe' has no business here, it is actually silly. Since my life as a GA pilot might depend on an alternator - I rather take the expensive version, but if possible I take two (many Cirruses have 2).

Considering the Alternator in my truck has lasted 300,000 miles I think it's safe as the one in my Viking and an alternator is an alternator,if you buy a quality one. Anyway we are off topic. I feel bad for the workers at Buffalo who are out of work

[HawkDsl 50]

Radial Engine aftermarket support is on par with classic muscle cars these days. There are plenty of NEW parts being made for these great engines, regardless of size and make (although, P&W is way way more supported). The DC3 can be taken to ZERO air frame time by company's like Basler. Naa.. it's got nothing to do with age... but how cheap and mismanaged BA is.

 

Sadly.. That is a very old story indeed.

[stans 702]

Buffalo Airways open for business!  TC has lifted the ban on their operations.

 

http://www.aircargoweek.com/buffalo-airways-allowed-fly/