AMFA Says Growing Trend Raises Air Safety and Security Concerns

Sources at the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) tell ANN the March 2007 issue of Consumer Reports magazine -- perhaps best known for its comparisons and reviews of products ranging from toasters, to SUVs -- includes a feature article titled, "An Accident Waiting To Happen? Outsourcing Raises Air-Safety Concerns."

In the article, House Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) states outsourced aircraft maintenance -- in which airlines chose third party contractors, many of which are overseas, to handle repairs and upkeep on its planes -- is "not being done with the same oversight" as maintenance performed by airline employees.

"It's a recipe for failure," Oberstar concludes.

In its report, Consumer Reports reaches several findings that mirror AMFA's position on outsourced maintenance... including the determination that "[a]irlines that outsource more tend to have more delays," and "much of the work is being done by unlicensed mechanics."

The non-profit consumer research magazine also claims "arrests at some repair shops have snared terrorism suspects and undocumented workers [i.e., illegal aliens], who were subsequently deported." AMFA also notes outsourced maintenance shops "are less subject to oversight than in-house [the airlines' own] shops, with fewer screening programs and fewer inspections ... At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] is reducing actual inspections of airlines."

"Consumer Reports' research findings strongly match what we've been warning the public and government officials about for a number of years," according to Steve MacFarlane, assistant national director of AMFA. "It's gratifying to see such credible outside sources as Consumer Reports and Rep. Oberstar validating these important concerns."

AMFA notes a US Department of Transportation report stated "the FAA never inspected approximately 1,400 noncertificated repair facilities, including 104 foreign facilities."

FMI: www.amfanatl.org