I work for continental.They tried farming out engines,c checks etc.The result was in the begining lower prices and fast turn around times.TILL they shut down the company engine shop,THEN the costs soared and turn times soared also.Causing many aircraft to be grounded.
When our old management figured they had made a huge mistake it was to late.Our mechanics did better work and the turn time was one of the fastest around,also after all those years of doing it in house our engines where the best around.All that was lost for the promise of lower costs with a vendor.High pressure reg valves for CF6 used to be removed almost daily and returned to the vendor for failure.The vendor would put in another oring and charge 1 thousand for the repair again.Being an overhaul cost much more.The bean counters thought 1 thousand was a great deal over 5 thousand.The kicker being in house at 5 k for a complete overhaul stayed on the wing for 4 years trouble free,and the vendor repair lasted a week.Bean counters missed that part.This kind of thinking drove continental into the ground.To many different kinds of aircraft,with various cabin schemes,various type engines for the same aircraft,Huge part storehouses,taxes on all thoses different parts.It was a fast downward dive year after year.Paycuts etc.Management changed weekly it seemd,most taking thier golden Parachute and all the money they could and hauling a**.(end of page 1)(start of page 2 ).......Page 2
Finally someone got smart,dumped all the old aircraft.Bought new aircraft and all the same types.Quit farming out what we could do in house.
Farming out has it place,but they dont have the loyality of the mechanics who wear the logo of the airline.Therefore the quality is far less then what you get from the airline mechanic who will be there long after the vendor is gone.
I have been with continental for 19 years.my dad was with them for 32,who do you think will give continental 150% the vendor or the person who lives breathes airline and has skydrol in thier veins?My bet is with the airline mechainic,he/she will always give you thier best day after day year after year.
On another note....I would like to say Thanks to the captins and frist officers who joined us in our picket lines in LAX.That means alot to all of us.
My 2 cents worth,
Terry A&P LAX