[QUOTE=kingairfun;2704349]Is it possible this is also one of the reasons for FAA delay in ETOPS cert.?

Just read an article that SWA ETOPS not being "fast tracked" because the FAA is scrutinizing maintenance practices and the mechanics contract issues.

Wonder if this delays things even further.[/QUOTE

Mechanical issue and practices? Because some JACK WAD told an media type that an airplane was leaking hydraulic fluid after sitting for a week from the flaps?

THE FAA WOULD LAUGH YOU OUT OF THEIR OFFICE IF YOU REPORTED THAT!!! These birds leak virtually EVERYTHING from every seal after sitting for awhile. It's part of working with temperature swings of of up to 210 degrees F. If you cut your tolerances that tight, you would have WAY more problems than some weepy seals after an aircraft has been sitting unused for awhile.

They will seal right back up after you get everything running again. Of course, that should be verified, but you don't write up a bird when changing a tire, when your a wheel and tire mechanic, for things that are "outside of your scope."

Union mechanics are 80% "not my job", "not my problem", "somebody elses job" types, and 20% salt of the earth. I worked as a tech all through high school and college, and I'm an A&P to this day.