Substandard Parts Found on Planes
Aircraft’s Wing Grazes Runway, Pilots Save the Day
British Airports Faced With Double-Whammy
Segregated Airport Lanes Could Improve Speed
SUBSTANDARD PARTS FOUND ON PLANES – The Washington Times
Large manufacturers, like Boeing Co., General Electric Aircraft Engines and Bombardier/Learjet often cut cost corners by outsourcing its airplane components and allowing foreign suppliers to manufacture parts, but a government report has found that the parts rank below substandard requirements. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s inspector general noted that Boeing and others do not effectively supervise their subcontractors’ quality of work. “This is a critical safety issue, as demonstrated by four engine failures that occurred in [fiscal] 2003 due to faulty speed sensors on fuel pumps obtained from a supplier,” the inspector general’s report said. The report also mentions Rolls-Royce PLC, Pratt & Whitney and Airbus. Some of the common safety deficiencies included a lack of work documentation, unsatisfactory tooling calibration and poor employee training.
Link: The Washington Times
AIRCRAFT’S WING GRAZES RUNWAY, BUT PILOTS SAVE THE DAY – The Times (UK)
German pilots yesterday avoided a crash-landing after blustery winds forced the aircraft’s wing tip to brush the runway. Plane-spotters happened to catch the near-fatal crash on camera at the Hamburg airport. Torrential rain and violent crosswinds caused the Lufthansa Airbus A320 to teeter, and as it landed, the plane tip grazed the ground, but the pilots quickly pulled the airplane back into a takeoff. They were hailed for a so-called “go around maneuver,” and none of the 131 passengers or crew was injured.
Link: The Times (UK)
BAA FACED WITH A DOUBLE-WHAMMY – The Economist
BAA this week decided to replace its former boss, Stephen Nelson with Colin Matthews, who is considered to be a “tough egg who knows all about running regulated utilities.” Once the director of technical operations at British Airways, Mr. Matthews, as believed by BAA, understands the business of aviation. BAA thirsts for good publicity, and they soon will receive it when Terminal Five, on which they spent $8.5 billion, opens on March 27. Unfortunately, BAA’s problems greatly shadow any accomplishments the new terminal will make. The problems partially began when Ferrovial, a Spanish construction group, purchased the company. It had to borrow $20.04 billion to finance the acquisition, and it has found it considerably difficult to repay the loans, as credit markets have caused interest premiums to surge. To throw in a double-whammy, next month the Civil Aviation Authority will implement new price caps for Heathrow and Gatwick, and since BAA owns Heathrow, its profits will be restricted.
Link: The Economist
SEGREGATED LANES AT AIRPORTS MAY IMPROVE SPEED – USA Today
The Transportation Security Administration recently tried its hands at creative thinking by experimenting with checkpoint lanes, in hopes of easing airport security. Denver and Salt Lake City airports are testing “family” lanes for parents who have their hands full with children and bags, “expert” lanes, designed for travelers who know what to expect, and “casual” lanes. Though the program is voluntary, segregated lanes may begin popping up all around the nation, if they prove effective at speeding up security lines. Steven Brill, whose Verified Identity Pass is being implemented 14 airports to quicken security lines for those passengers who pay a fee, disagrees with the concept, saying, “Everyone who’s traveling with a kid is ghettoized,” Brill said. “Adding to the frustration of certain people so you lessen the frustration of others is not good public policy.”
Link: USA Today
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