May 17, 2021
It has been just over three (3) weeks since the launch of the Maintenix (MXi) program within Southwest Airlines (SWA) recordkeeping, and the observations and reports received from AMFA members have been discouraging, revealing numerous issues and shortcomings within the program.
Being discouraged and upset with the challenges and obstacles that arise is understandable, but we must remember compliance is the top priority when it comes to signing-off the work that has been performed. DO NOT utilize any short-cuts or work-arounds to get the job done. The burden of this system’s fallacies rests with the Company, not the AMFA members that have been forced to endure the frustration that has been created. While the Company continues to attempt to correct the issues that have been identified, remain vigilant in uncovering anything that may compromise the integrity of compliance. The Company has issued numerous Know Before Fix notices via Read and Signs to ensure that those MXi program shortcomings are addressed, thereby increasing the information load to the end users.
In order to ensure that any problems have full visibility, in addition to using the MXi help desk, other options include the Safety Reporting System (SRS) and the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). ASAP is a strong option if you feel that a compliance issue has put you a risk.
In closing, you are the one that will be responsible for ensuring that compliance is fully met, don’t put your license at risk ─ it is the key to your livelihood.
As always stay safe and watch out for yourselves and each other.
In Solidarity,
Scott King
National Safety & Standards Director