Aviation News Item: 00372

2nd Sep 2009

Source: ubmaviationnews.com

The FAA has approved a plan for Southwest Airlines to replace unapproved parts in the flap exhaust gate assembly on about 50 737 aircraft by December 24, 2009. The administration
determined on August 21 that the airline had installed the parts on 82 737-300 and -500 series aircraft. It gave the carrier a 10-day period, which expired yesterday, to work out a plan with Boeing and the FAA to replace the unapproved parts. Both the airframer and FAA have determined that the unapproved part would not prevent safe operation of the aircraft. Until the parts concerned have all been replaced, each aircraft with unapproved parts must be physically inspected for wear and tear every seven days. Southwest has accomplished replacements on 43 aircraft to date. The FAA has opened an investigation into this issue.

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