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Out of all the previous Canadian Minister's of Transport we've had over the years, Garneau's opinion is one I'd actually pay attention to. He flew on the space
by bshipp 8y ago
Out of all the previous Canadian Minister's of Transport we've had over the years, Garneau's opinion is one I'd actually pay attention to. He flew on the space shuttle three times, was in space for 30 hours, and has a doctorate in Electrical Engineering. Not that he's an expert in this, but if there's any Canadian politician in the past few years who would be able to question their public servants and make sure the data supported the decision, it's likely him.
Canada's two largest carriers, Air Canada and Westjet, have a combined 37 Max 8s in their fleets, so I'm sure this wasn't a position Garneau took likely.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-grounding-of-737-max-8-spells-turbulence-for-air-canada-and-westjet/ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-grounding-o...
- rkagerer 8y agoThis guy handed me my degree when I graduated, and I share your respect for his accomplishments. But I do expect he took some PR flak, considering just two days ago he spoke fairly strongly against a ban (stating he would board a 737 MAX "without hesitation") even as other countries including the EU implemented one, and despite the Air Canada Pilots Association calling on him to "to take proactive action to ensure the safety of the Canadian travelling public". Not disputing your point, or even criticising his actions (I don't know enough about the situation to do so, aside from having a stake by being booked on an affected flight). Just filling in a bit more of the story.
- bshipp 8y agoI appreciate the insight, and I didn't hear those comments from two days ago. That is, indeed, unfortunate. I would have expected him to at least hedge himself a bit. I haven't been involved in the aviation industry in over 20 years now, but I've always been a huge advocate for how safe flying is. Many times I've said similar things to family and friends when discussing some one-off plane crash. And I still fly very frequently. But two brand new planes falling out of the sky for no obvious apparent reason? I'd have expected him to be a bit more cautious in his response.
- rkagerer 8y agoI think he did hedge yesterday. Something like not grounding now, but "all options are on the table".
- gdpgreg 8y agoWith all due respect to Garneau, I don't think the statement that he wouldn't hesitate to get on a max 8 doesn't really mean much considering he willingly flew 3 times on the most deadliest aircraft of the modern era.
- bshipp 8y agoWell, calling the shuttle an aircraft is a bit of a stretch. It was more like a slightly aerodynamic rock.
- victor106 8y agoI would respect anyone who changes their opinion after seeing new facts. I don’t understand this ridiculous burden we place on our politicians. Why can’t they change their opinion on things when new facts come to light? I am not saying changing principles but opinions. Like someone asked “I see new facts and change my opinion. What do you do?”