Managing Service Deficiencies-A Pilot Perspective

Managing service deficiencies is a team effort in the airline business. The Captain's responsibilities and authority are directly related to safety and loss control. Service deficiencies are manifested by mechanical, design, procedural and communication shortcomings. Some examples and facts are covered to see how deficiencies can affect an operation in considering the airplane-mission match up and operate a safe transportation system.

An aging fleet of airplanes can also present future mechanical problems that have no historical precedence. Fuel costs and supply are having a greater impact in both corporate and national survival. Fuel efficiency becomes an operating watchword and a strong pilot responsibility.

Captains are well-trained and provide the discriminating assessment of their equipment based on flight conditions prior to each takeoff. They provide the last line of defense.