Originally Posted by Elevation

I agree with this generally, but discussions about causal factors, fault and blame really spread out like oil on water.

Instructors and Check Airmen went along with things. When it comes to adopting improved training and safety practices we in the union frequently say "Well, the company said no, so there was nothing we could do." when in fact we had a number of proposals were held up in the executive council. As individuals we covered for each other. As a collective both in management and in the union we used to speak highly of the people who passed this FO onward, and we used to say the DE who failed him was a persnickety nerd.

This is why the first 6 months after a fatal crash you see the best in people. After that you see the worst. People with experience dealing with other, fatal crashes will know that there's a role for advocacy during investigations. A union's role is to advocate for full truth. So all the grand statements, pins and memorials when people are paying attention amount to nothing. What matters are the decisions made when it comes time to put your promotion on the line.

As an example, a lot of work from the pilots and others went into the investigation around Eagle 4184. For this crash, what did we really do? The Exco member in charge of safety quietly applied for an assistant chief pilot position during this investigation. We'll say that this person's character would never let him compromise our pilots' interests. Let's get real.

Regardless, this investigation is done. The time for outrage and vigor was 2 years ago. Now's the time to look forward. We failed each other here. Let's get ahead of the next crash.