This is why I take the Train

[C(Sea)Bass]

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=6830101&ch=4226713&src=news

Basically, Southwest Airlines was skipping safety inspections.

[C(Sea)Bass]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080307/us_nm/southwest_faa_dc;_ylt=AjYvuqSGt7WtR38cbHcep5JH2ocA

story update.

[DYNAMITE]

Goooooooooo!!!!!!!!! 

[lazs2]

airport security is too degrading for me to put up with.   the reminder that we don't live in a free country is too much for me to put up with except in an extreme emergency.

lazs

[AKIron]

Last week I drove a u-haul truck from Dallas to Boise. From Denver on I often wondered what it must have been like for early pioneers to have traveled through those mountains on horse back, covered wagons, and on foot. A jet missing a safety inspection or two still seems a whole helluva lot easier and safer.

[lazs2]

When you drive you get to think about a lot of things.

lazs

[Golfer]

Actually the story I heard was that SWA discovered they missed some required inspections, self disclosed to the FAA and here comes the whirlwind.  SWA (or any other "high profile operator) would simply not to the required inspections.  You have to take into consideration the over sensationalization the media sure isn't known for with aviation 

Here's a snippet...

SEATTLE, March 06, 2008 -- Southwest Airlines contacted Boeing for verification of its technical opinion that the continued operation of SWA's Classic 737s, for up to 10 days until the airplanes could be reinspected, did not pose a safety of flight issue. Based on a thorough review of many factors, including fleet history and test data, as well as other inspections and maintenance previously incorporated, Boeing concluded the 10-day compliance plan was technically valid. In Boeing's opinion, the safety of the Southwest fleet was not compromised.

http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q1/080306f_nr.html

[SFRT - Frenchy]

Whoever feels confident enought to delay or poorly execute scheduled aircraft maintenance should listen to the CVR of United flight 585. The last words of the screaming female F/O are forever engraved in my brain. If someone can find the audio, the most chilling CVR I ever eard.

[rogwar]

Thought the United 585 crash was more from an operating design issue with the rudder control system and not a maintenance problem.

Anyhow, I am all for doing things by the book as I fly over 100K miles year.

[SFRT - Frenchy]

It was, I was talking about the voice of Patricia freacking out as her plane is spiraling straight down. No mechanic/operator can possibly slack on the job after earing it.

Youtube as the ATC tapes of Alaska 261, not as dramatic, but you can ear the F/O stressed tone of voice, as well as concerned fellow pilots.

[Barrett]

I only fly if I absolutely have to.  If you can swing it, take the train and reserve a sleeper. It's the only civilized way to travel.

[Spikes]

Isn't that just great...I'm flying SW to Daytona Beach in April.