Spot-Checks Follow In Wake Of Southwest Fine

You knew this was coming. On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration called for a systemwide audit of its inspection processes, to confirm commercial carriers operating within the United States are complying with airworthiness directives for older Boeing 737 airliners, as well as for other aircraft.

Acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell cited recent revelations that Southwest Airlines failed to complete required fuselage fatigue and rudder inspections last year -- but continued flying the planes anyway -- as the reason for the unprecendented, systemwide review.

"While the data tell us flying is safer than ever, prudence dictates we take this additional precaution and conduct a special emphasis review," Sturgell said.

An initial review is slated to be completed by March 28, and the full audit is scheduled to be completed no later than June 30. Inspectors will conduct spot-checks of at least 10 safety directives, according to the agency.

"We have asked our Principal Maintenance Inspectors to begin an in-depth review of your program for compliance with airworthiness directives (AD's)," wrote Nicholas Sabatini, the agency's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, in an email to US domestic airlines Tuesday. One carrier's noncompliance with AD's makes it necessary for us to validate our system for overseeing your management of this regulatory requirement."

In addition to Southwest, Alaska Airlines, US Airways, United, Delta and Continental are among US airlines that operate older 737-300, -400 and -500 models.

FMI: www.faa.gov