FRONTLINE | Preview "Flying Cheaper" | PBS

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flying-cheaper In "Flying Cheaper," coming Tues., Jan. 18, correspondent Miles O'Brien investigates the outsourcing of major airline repair work to lower-cost independent operations. In this clip, O'Brien examines allegations of illegal airline parts being used to service planes of major carriers. Watch "Flying Cheaper" on PBS Jan. 18.

In a follow-up to Flying Cheap, the hard-hitting investigation of how major airlines outsource flights to regional airlines, FRONTLINE examines another growing trend: the outsourcing of major airline repair work to lower-cost independent maintenance operations abroad and here in the U.S.
Correspondent Miles O'Brien explores the world of contract maintenance and focuses this new FRONTLINE investigation on an ST Aerospace facility in Alabama, which now does heavy repair work for several major airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways. Through interviews with company mechanics and an examination of both government and company records, the investigation raises serious questions about the quality and experience of the workforce; the use of foreign workers with limited English proficiency; and the alleged use of unauthorized airline parts. One veteran FAA inspector concludes, "Something's seriously wrong here, and we need to investigate this."
Flying Cheaper is a reporting partnership with the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University's School of Communication.

Watch on air and online beginning Tuesday, January 18 at 9 pm ET on PBS.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flying-cheaper

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Aviation
• Airlines
• FRONTLINE
• PBS
• Documentary
• Flying Cheaper
• Miles O'Brien
• Outsourcing
• Airline Safety
• FAA

[rickbar123]

Yes America, put your trust in the Private Sector. The Private Sector will solve all our problems. The Private Sector can do it better. America, this is what you get with a small weak Government and less regulation. The CEOs and Corporations love it. Have a nice flight.

[boobtubekid]

@rickbar123 The government has never maintained private planes. Instead of airline maintenance, it's MRO maintenance. Both private sector entities. .....

Thanks to great people at Frontline, and countless other groups (many in the private sector) -- we learn to expose and fix problems before they become catastrophes. Where do you put your trust Rick?