Originally Posted by
Segments
Since OP had a problem with a flight originating in DTW, wouldn’t your commandment require locally stocking every part for every plane that might fly into DTW? And similarly at every outstation? Along with 24/7 fully qualified mechanics for every potential repair? Inventory and staffing costs for every potential mechanical failure might outweigh any savings versus an occasional delayed flight.
Or or am I the only one whose flights have been delayed waiting on mechanics and/or parts needed at my destination for another aircraft?
The OP was going DFW to DTW, which makes even less sense, if AA had a mechanic available 24/7 it would be at DFW. Pulling into AUS on the last flight the plane was running for the day, at least 2 maintenance trucks were pulling up, one with tanks (presumably of the various fluids needed) on the truck. AUS overnights a good number of planes, generally every AA gate + 5-8 more away from the terminal. Can't see why DFW doesn't do the same, well I can, but don't know why, cascading delays would seem to time out crews eventually.
The bit of odd humor, flying through CLT, had some part needed for a CR700, and they didn't have it in CLT. Really, with as many CRs through there, they don't have a full spares kit, and had to get it shipped in from DFW? It was something inside, as maintenance was on the inside working when they announced the 5 hour delay, and based on the pilot it was an easy/quick fix, he expected to be going with about a 30 minute delay, if they only had the part.