ATW Daily News

FAA reportedly investigating AA MD-80s; issues new parts standards

Tuesday October 20, 2009

US FAA is investigating American Airlines' maintenance of MD-80s, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing preliminary agency findings that "have identified as many as 16 [AA MD-80s] that were operated for months despite allegedly substandard bulkhead repairs."

Investigators reportedly are examining claims by pilots that one or more aircraft were flown at low altitudes without passengers to AA's Tulsa MRO facility because they were feared to be in too poor a condition to withstand the stress of operating at higher altitudes. The newspaper said FAA confirmed the inquiry and AA confirmed that it received a "letter of investigation" from the agency. In April 2008, AA was forced to cancel 3,300 flights over several days while MD-80s were grounded for airworthiness directive compliance inspections (ATWOnline, May 19, 2008).

FAA, which appears to be taking a tougher line with carriers regarding violations of regulations and ADs, last week proposed $9.2 million in civil penalties against US Airways and United Airlines (ATWOnline, Oct. 15).

Separately, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said new regulations for manufacturers of aircraft and aviation products published by the agency yesterday "update and standardize FAA requirements to better align them with the current global manufacturing environment." He added, "We want to make sure that all aircraft and parts designed for them meet the highest standards no matter where they are manufactured or who makes them." FAA said the new rules standardize "quality control" in a manufacturing environment where aircraft manufacturers rely on multiple suppliers in different parts of the world.

by ATWOnline Staff

Other headlines: