> What? :) If everyone involved were honest actors, then it would make sense. One problem with any regulatory agency is that the same skillset that makes for

> What? :) If everyone involved were honest actors, then it would make sense. One problem with any regulatory agency is that the same skillset that makes for a good regulator also makes for a good product designer or engineer. If FAA employees are paid more poorly than their private-sector equivalents, then the regulator will find itself unable to hire competent staff. Of course, if the companies aren't acting out of good faith, they could recommend inappropriate compensation rates to ensure that the above "problem" is in fact the outcome.