This infuriates me to no end. The FAA's job is not to see if the airlines can afford a change. This is proof that SAFETY does not come first. Cost is number 1. Completely unacceptable.[/quote]
Mission statement of the FAA from their website:
Our continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
Actually the FAA is supposed to see if the airlines can afford a change. You and I disagree with that, but that is part of their mission. Unfortunately, Safe and efficient are generally polar opposites when it comes to this industry, but you know which side the FAA will come down on.