Originally Posted by Packrat

I disagree. I've flown the MD at two different airlines and the DC-9 in the Navy. There is NOTHING WRONG with the MD-80. Granted, its not at the pointy end of the technology spear anymore, but it is hardly a death machine.

Your problem is obviously a Maintenance Department that is short cutting their responsibilities in the name of profits. Alaska found out how short sighted that is when AS261 nose dived into the Pacific.

Allegiant managers should have learned that when Valujet 592 went down in the Everglades. Looks like the lesson didn't take. The point is this...the airplane, when properly cared for, is a solid platform. AA operated over 300 of them with no significant problems for decades.

I personally can't believe that the FAA hasn't shut your place down due to the inordinate number of engine issues you have experienced. There is obviously a problem in your maintenance management department. The -219 and -217 engines are virtually bullet proof with normal care and attention.

Seems the problem with the MD is Allegiant-centric at this point. Allegiant pilots know it, other airline MD pilots know it, the FAA just doesn't seem to know it. The Teamsters' Saftey Commitee needs to get proactive and prod the FAA into DOING SOMETHING to protect Allegiant pilots, F/As and passengers from what appears to the casual observer to be maintenance malpractice in progress.

Will it take another smoking hole with 150 dead passengers/crew to get the Feds off dead center?