Ask the Captain: State of the aviation industry
Question: I spent a little over 20 years in the airline industry and have seen the good, bad and ugly, particularly after the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act. What are your personal thoughts about the industry today, and what if anything should have been done differently?
— Submitted by reader Michael C., Scottsdale, Ariz.
Answer: The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 was a major change in the airline industry in the U.S. It has proved to be a great benefit to travelers. Lower prices, expanded service and newer airplanes all are due to the highly competitive airline business.
I was surprised how long consolidation of the large airlines took; I expected it to occur much sooner. Now that it has, the industry should be in a relatively stable condition for the near future.
Some of the downsides of the deregulation act and competition were the lowering of wages, the outsourcing of many flights, and less service to some smaller communities.
I do not know what should have been done differently; once it became law the outcome was predictable. Having lived through it, as you did, I think our industry is better because of it. We run the safest, most efficient aviation industry in history, and it would be hard to make the case for doing things much differently.
Q: Frank Lorenzo said that the amount of time the autopilot is engaged should be deducted from the pilot's paycheck. How do you feel?
— Richard Jaye, Orlando
A: Frank Lorenzo was a dark figure in aviation's history. Such a statement proves his fundamental lack of understand of a pilot's job. His lack of fundamental understanding was proved when the DOT refused to give him a certificate to operate an airline. The aviation industry is better and safer without him, in my opinion.
Q: Between TSA inquisitions and airlines trying to charge extra for everything, the industry as a whole seems to have become much more user-hostile. The airlines are making record profits, but from a service perspective, it seems to be a race to the bottom. Comments?
— Lyman DeCamp, Texas
A: My experience has not been as bad as you indicate. I fly almost every week, and while it is not like it used to be, I still enjoy it.
Q: You post as a tool for the industry. Please voice your own opinions as a pilot.
— Dave, Tucson
A: The opinions expressed are mine. While I am proud of the aviation industry, I am a pilot and will always have that viewpoint.
My goal is to provide objective information and answers to readers' questions.
John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.