Posts by James Taylor 3 publicly visible posts • joined 24 May 2007
This comes on the heels of that awful blame-the-users, blame-the-OS saga with their 1.5TB hard drives. That seemed to expose weaknesses in their support organization.
I can't help wondering if this warranty downgrade is related. Maybe they're attempting to bring their support obligations more in line with their capability.
Unfortunately, this is a one-two whack to end-user confidence.
Please. Let's just acknowledge this as a tragedy and stop looking for people to attack.
The pilot was ordered to proceed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after one engine failed. After the second failed, he stayed at the controls until just a few seconds before impact to try to avoid carnage on the ground. This put him at considerable personal risk.
Frankly, given how heavily populated the area is, I'm impressed that so few people died.
What's not clear is why the pilot was routed to MCAS Miramar instead of Naval Air Station North Island, where his approach would have been over water instead of housing.
Unfortunately for the pilot, he's going to live with the knowledge that his flight killed people. And as they pointed out on the radio (KPBS) this morning, he'll probably be tied up with lawsuits for the rest of his life. Hell of a way to wind up a training mission.
If anyone else posts about how the pilot screwed up or what kind of whitewash we're getting from the US military about this incident, please cite primary sources or shut up. For instance:
Why the pilot must obey ATC routing: US Federal Aviation Regulations (don't know specific numbers, but could dig out my FAR-AIM if necessary).
What the locals really think about this: I live here and worked across the street from MCAS Miramar for seven years.
More info and photos can be found at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20081209-9999-7n9jetdown.html
This is not about certificates of accomplishment. It's about professional standing, which can be revoked for "bad behavior."
In the US, a Certified Engineer is licensed to perform certain work in the relevant field. For instance, he or she could sign off on a bridge design, essentially giving a personal guarantee that the design is sound and meets all standards. Licensed Electricians operate the same way: most electrical work must be signed for by an Electrician.
If a CE approves a flawed design, he can lose his license. If an Electrician signs off on an improper wiring job that later causes a fire, that can be the end of her career.
I think that the computer support field more closely resembles that of auto repair. As with auto mechanics, skilled computer support is a "journeyman trade" that requires years of experience and certain basic skills. Manufacturers (vendors) certify technicians for specific makes, which is nice but is really necessary only for warranty work. Because consumers can't easily identify the skilled techs from the dangerous ones, a certain amount of incompetence persists in the industry.
Auto repair has reputable vendor-neutral industry certifications, such as ASE Mechanic. That day may not be far off for computer repair. Without government oversight (and insurance industry pressure), I doubt we'll see Licensing Boards.
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