Allow me to introduce myself to you - I am Captain Brian Power-Waters XIII. I have spent decades passionately making people aware that airplanes are not as safe as most people think. But why should you listen to me? Well, quite honestly, because some day it could save your life or the life of a loved one!

This newsletter, and those that will follow, will hopefully keep you updated and aware of some of the dangers in the commercial airline industry. I hope that you find this information useful and educational. I also hope that you share it with someone who might benefit from knowing more about airline safety, how airlines work, and safer travel.

September / Early-October 2005
Brian's thoughts on the Outsourcing of Airline Maintenance

Nearly all the airlines are having a difficult time 'staying in the black', if you know what I mean. Airlines have asked for, and received drastic pay cuts from all their employees; excluding management level employees who receive many millions when their contract is terminated.

Airlines do a good job of maintaining their own aircraft, this costs them many millions of dollars, money well spent, now the lion's share of this vital maintenance is being spread South of the Border, and also in Europe and Asia.

All certified aircraft mechanics (A.P.) in the United States must be able to read and understand the english language. You may recall the 1996 firey crash of a Value-Jet DC-9 that slammed into the Florida Everglades, killing 110 people. What brought down the airline was the fact that 144 oxygen generating canisters with specific instructions on them, could not be read by foreign workers, who could barely speak english. Some of these canisters leaked and caused a raging fire in a belly compartment that was supposedly fire proof.

One hundred and ten people perished because of these important reasons:

1. The canisters were not suppposed to be flown. They were full, not empty.
2. There were no fire or smoke detectors on board to warn the crew of a fire in the hold.
3. The non-rated foreign maintenance trainees could not read the specific shipping instructions.

The FAA (Federal Air Regulation 65.81) states that a certified mechanic must supervise dozens of undocumented workers. It is difficult enough to supervise people who can speak english, but for those that don't - good luck.

I have spent time serving two countries in the armed forces, United States and Canada. During my career as a commercial pilot for the airline industry, I saw safety thrown out the window and became more alarmed for my passengers' safety. I have spent the last thirty years crusading against a complacent industry that has put profits ahead of people, highlighted by appearances on The Tonight Show, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Night Line and other news programs.