Original Message

What does it matter if they're maintained to high standards? Well, for one, they aren't.

For two who cares if the aircraft can do their mission? Well, they can't do them all. Wear and tear adds up, so does sheet metal repair and coats of paint. Penetrating bird strikes to areas other than the windscreen, roll overs, getting smashed in a collapsed hangar, etc... Every repair, every repaint, they just keep getting heavier and heavier. Even if you're under max gross they CG out now. Our customers wonder why we can't take a 250lb patient even if we burn fuel. CG issues! These things have been repaired and repainted for 24+ years.