FAA flags possible parts violation by Southwest

[RamboLiberal]

Source: USA Today

Southwest Airlines, which paid the largest fine against an airline in history in March for intentionally flying jets without required inspections, is under federal investigation for installing improper parts on more than 40 of its jets.

The discount carrier, which has become the largest domestic airline, was forced to delay dozens of flights Saturday after a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector discovered the possible violation, the agency said.

The unapproved parts were shields that protect the jet's flaps, panels that extend from the back of a wing to allow a jet to fly at slower speeds during landing and takeoff. FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the parts do not present "an immediate safety danger," but the airline was given 10 days to replace the shields with parts approved by jet manufacturer Boeing.

Engineers from the FAA, Southwest and Boeing met over the weekend to ensure there was no danger, Lunsford said.

Southwest was forced to keep 46 of its 737-300 and 737-500 models on the ground after the problem was discovered, said airline spokeswoman Brandy King. The delays were equivalent to what might occur on a day with stormy weather, King said, but she was unsure how many flights were affected.


Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-26-southwest_N.htm

[bemildred]

1. And they wonder why people are avoiding flying. nt

[Turbineguy]

2. Beancounters

love to buy fake parts. That's how they save money dontcha know.

[BlueCollar]

3. Enjoy the cheap fares....

"...The work was performed by an unnamed outside maintenance company, an outsourcing practice that has become more common as airlines struggle to reduce costs..."