fumje

For presentation and appearance, the peeling paint and mismatched livery schemes look a varying mix of weird and horrible. So in terms of aesthetics, this thread gives ample evidence of corners being cut.

But basic safety maintenance practices for operating airplanes are well established, and having peeling paint does not violate any of them. See earlier post from LarryJ (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33442501-post58.html). Same for using speed tape or swapping engine cowlings across liveries. So in terms of safety, no evidence of corners being cut.

clubord

Definitely not at United (MX is outstanding here) but in my previous life flying corporate jets; I’ve flown planes with beautiful exterior paint jobs and newly upgraded interiors but absolute trash engines and a litany of recurring maintenance items (faulty radar tilts, TCAS anomalies , EFIS screens blacking out, etc.)

Looking back I was so desperate to build flight time and experience I just dealt with the issues. Realistically would never put my family in some of these planes…

But they sure looked pretty from the outside!

I get it from the traveling public perspective, the optics of peeling paint and speed tape. The reality is, external paint says nothing about the inner workings of an aircraft. To imply using speed tape or having paint issues means cutting corners is ridiculous and shows a lack of knowledge about aviation IMO.

correction

It's so weird that you're making my point for me and you don't even realize it. When you were flying for these charter (I'm assuming) outfits, you were absolutely detecting their corner-cutting. You noticed it so hard that in retrospect, you would "never put your family in some of those planes." My comment isn't about paint and airworthiness. It's about being cheap and cutting corners. I have a feeling the planes you *would* like to put your family on have nice paint, nice interiors, and no MELs. Just a hunch.

clubord

Thanks for your input.