Tue, Mar 18, 2008
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.
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