The US Air Force began returning General Electric F110-129-powered Lock-heed F-16s to flight status in late January after determining that foreign-object damage to the engine's fan was the likely cause of an F-16D crash (Flight International, 25-31 January). The service has ordered inspections of all F110-129 fan blades and tightened tolerances on the amount of damage, and extent of repairs, allowable. More frequent and extended fan-inspections have been instituted. GE is working to increase the damage-resistance of the fan.
Source: Flight International
