AAR Corp. Contends Glossy Paint Approved By Boeing

Maintaining certificated airplanes can be tricky... even when it comes to what paint to use on the landing gear!

The Chicago Tribune has been closely following the airliner maintenance audits ordered by the FAA. The paper reports an AAR Corp. facility in Miami, FL outfitted hundreds of Boeing jetliners with landing-gear equipment that had been painted in an "unapproved" fashion, over a period of years, according to an FAA safety alert.

Unapproved in what way? The March 25 "unapproved parts notification" from the FAA's flight standards service said that in some cases overhauled truck beams had been sent back into service with a glossy enamel on certain surfaces, contrary to Boeing's maintenance manuals.

The FAA says that violates one of its directives, issued in September of 2001. AAR says that directive mentions only painting over a drain hole, and that Boeing has authorized the glossy enamel paint it used.

The company insists its work complies with all regulations, and is in line with standard industry practice. For its part, the FAA isn't requiring affected carriers to ground planes over the matter, but does suggest taking "appropriate action" if any of the allegedly improperly painted parts are found on their planes.

The agency also recommends not installing the suspect parts carriers may have in their inventories, according to the Tribune.

FMI: www.aarcorp.com