Reader Feedback

Roadblocks and Restrictions

After reading the Reader Feedback in the October issue (see AM October 2008, page 6) "Banning the Independents" I would like to expand on this subject. As an FAA-certificated A&P with an Inspection Authorization (IA) who happened to have small independent business several years ago, I know the hardships of dealing with airport managers. I too have battled the county airport managers and cities over county rules and lost.

The cost of doing business as an independent has been a target for many airport commissions around the country. In an effort to ban us A&P/IA’s, the airport will issue airport badges to enter the airport gates for security reason. I have no problem with a badge for security. However unless you can show you own, rent space, or work on the airport, you cannot obtain an airport badge to enter and perform a service. If you are an independent A&P you must show proof of insurance or bond for a certain amount.

Like many mechanics, we cannot afford the insurance or bond and will work behind the closed hangar door as not to be detected by the airport police/manager.

Aviation is a love we all have and it’s being ruined all because of a few lawyers wanting some of the action for the large companies they work for. Or by the owner who thinks the mechanic must have done something wrong and sues the airport for allowing an independent A&P to work on the airport.

So the real losers here are the airplane owners and the independent mechanics doing what they love to do, just flying and fixing airplanes. Banning us independents also hurts the community as the money being generated at the airport now goes someplace else. Airports are closing and no new airports are being built all because of over regulations by the airports

As aviation professional I try to educate city officials and airport manager all the time and am shocked by the stupidity of some of our elected officials that don’t know anything about our industry. Is it the independent A&P’s fault for not educating these officials or is it the airport manager position to try and educate city officials about the good having aircraft and mechanic on the airports.

Is it any wonder there are less and less A&P mechanics in the field working. With all the roadblocks and restrictions the industry we love will surly die. And the real loser is the airport managers and cities who pass stupid restrictions not knowing what we do.

Name Withheld

Cover Boy

I was recently told that I was on the cover of Aviation Maintenance magazine tow supervising a C-17 aircraft (see AM August 2008 cover). I haven’t been able to find the magazine anywhere. If there’s anything you guys can do to get me a few copies I would greatly appreciate it.

SSgt. Andrew Phillips

Ladson, SC

Andrew: We’ve got you covered (pun intended). Magazines are being sent directly to you. Thanks for being a great cover subject and for all you and your colleagues are doing for our country! — Editor

Also in the September issue some comments in the Feedback section that were attributed to Bjorn Rafnar were in fact made by an insurance industry executive. — Editor

Send letters to: Editor, Aviation Maintenance, 4 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD. Fax: 301-340-8741. E-mail: am@accessintel.com. Include name, address, and phone number. We will withhold contact information if desired.