Southwest Airlines has until 24 December to replace unapproved parts on 50 aircraft, and is required to inspect those aircraft every seven days until the replacements are completed.
The issue surfaced on 21 August. Initially Southwest determined only 46 aircraft had the questionable parts, but later explained 82 aircraft were operating with the unauthorised components.
FAA explains the parts are associated with hinge fittings for the exhaust gate assembly, which help protect the aircraft flaps from engine heat. Replacing the parts requires removing the flap from the wing.
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Southwest has previously confirmed the vendor supplying those parts has been suspended. Today the carrier explained its approved vendor subcontracted a machining function without appropriate written approval from FAA. "As a result the parts are considered unapproved and must be removed regardless of their quality," says carrier COO Mike Van de Ven.
In a statement the FAA explained Southwest has replaced parts on 30 of the aircraft, and states the unapproved parts "would not prevent safe operation of the airplanes". Southwest, however, says replacements on 43 aircraft have been completed.
As a result Southwest is allowed to continuing operating the remaining aircraft on the condition that the mandated inspections are completed. The carrier must report results of the inspections to FAA on a daily basis.
Van de Ven of Southwest states the carrier concurs "that this plan is the best and most reasonable manner in which to fulfill the FAA's mandate".
The agency says it has directed Southwest to locate and dispose of any other unapproved parts made by the same vendor, and notes is "has opened an investigation into this issue".
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
