Posted on 03/25/2005 11:35:26 AM PST by COEXERJ145
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. aviation regulators on Friday ordered detailed rudder inspections and repairs, if necessary, of certain Airbus planes after the rudder of a Canadian passenger jet nearly fell off this month. The Federal Aviation Administration wants operators of the 112 European-made Airbus A310s and A300s registered to U.S. carriers to complete detailed rudder inspections within three months. The planes are flown primarily in the United States by cargo giant FedEx Corp. . American Airlines also operates some A300s.
The tests include visual checks and a tap test, which is an audio analysis.
FedEx said it expected to complete inspections of its nearly 100 planes within the required time. "To date, we have seen no indication of any irregularities in our aircraft," the company said in a statement. Officials at American could not immediately be reached for comment.
French aviation regulators, in concert with the world's largest commercial plane manufacturer, issued a similar directive last week covering nearly 400 planes, including those flown by American and FedEx. The inspections are usually performed every few years.
The FAA order, which was expected after the European action, instructs operators to look for any separation or other damage to the rudder, which is made from layers of carbon-reinforced composite materials.
The directive stems from a March 6 in-flight incident in which a Canadian charter A310 lost part of its rudder. The Air Transat flight from Cuba to Quebec City with 270 people aboard returned safely to Cuba. Canadian authorities are investigating.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is also monitoring the investigation.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
FYI
Maybe they'll reopen the 587 investigation after this one...
Maybe the inspections will prevent a reoccurrence of the "Hey, where'd my rudder/tailplane go?" problem.
I think saying the rudder "nearly fell off" is a little bit of an understatement. See the photo:
http://www.airdisaster.com/photos/c-gpat/1.jpg
Well, the rudder did fall off. The big concern is whether the vertical stabilizer nearly fell off.
You can land an airplane without a rudder (obviously), but it gets really tricky to land one without a vertical fin.
Landing an airliner without a rudder can be a might tricky in itself. They were pretty lucky, and the pilots were pretty good. If airliners did not need rudders, they would save the weight by not putting them on in the first place!
I still see a little piece of rudder in that photo!
I can't recall specifics but there have been more than two such incidents with airbuses.
And the new 380 also has a plastic vertical stabilizer.
Are 777's ok??? We are taking one to Spain..I hate to fly!
I never said they weren't needed. Didn't say it wasn't tricky. Re-read my post.
My opinion comes from discussions about rudder usage with my dad, who's a retired airline pilot with 35 years experience flying everything from Connies to 767's.
A "Tap test"?? My life is hanging on a simple tap test? That's nuts. I was on an A320 this week sitting in 7A right next to the engine nacelle. On climb out, a sudden and loud vibration started, went away, came back and repeated a few more times. It continued through most of the flight. I was sure glad to get back down.
What is a "tap test"? Is that kind of like "knock on wood?"
When are they going to replace this plastic component.
Reinforced plastics are not suited for these high stress mechanical applications.
And how ridiculous that the first crash was blamed on "over compensation" Thats like saying don't steer your car too hard or else the wheel will come off.
Yes
And the new 380 also has a plastic vertical stabilizer.
Using composites it not so much the problem (the military has been flying aircraft made with composites for years) as is proper maintenance. The problem is they require very different maintenance from the normal aluminum skin of aircraft. If maintenance and inspections are not done properly, then disaster can be the result.
The Boeing 777 is probably the safest plane in the world today. I've flown a 777 with American (ORD-DFW) and enjoyed every minute of it.
I took an Airbus A310 owned by EVA from Bangkok to Taipae recently and had one of the most cramped rides since I was in the service! I am only 5'8" but almost ate the seat back in front of me. The row I was in was against a divider wal and the seats did not recline although the one in front of us did. Also, the seat bottom ended about half way between the back of my buttocks and the inside of my knee. The gadgetry of their vidio, while impressive, did not make up for the discomfort of their seats. The attendents were hostile as well. I assume that was because they fielded many complaints.
Well for that you can't really blame Airbus. The airlines are the ones who decide the cabin layout (seat pitch, width, etc), not the manufacturer. What probably happened was you got stuck on an aircraft that was configured for high density, short haul. A Boeing 747SR/747-400D would be just as cramped.
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