Boeing ‘Concerned’ as 737s’ Cracks Occur Earlier Than Expected

(Bloomberg) Boeing Co. (BA) said metal-fatigue inspections must be stepped up on older 737s, the world’s most widely flown jet, after cracks developed earlier than expected on a Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) plane that split open last week.

Cracks on the so-called 737 Classic weren’t forecast to occur until “much later,” after 60,000 cycles of takeoffs and landings, said Paul Richter, Boeing’s chief project engineer for older jets. The plane that ripped in an April 1 flight above Arizona had flown 39,781 cycles.

“We are all concerned about this recent development,” Richter said yesterday on a conference call. He said Boeing is working with airlines worldwide to ensure that those making frequent, shorter flights, like Southwest, inspect the jets within five days.

About 175 planes flown by carriers in the U.S., Asia and Europe meet the criteria of a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration directive issued yesterday requiring inspections for cracks on all 737-300s, 737-400s and 737-500s that have flown more than 30,000 cycles. The FAA also is taking the rare step of requiring checks again every 500 cycles as a precaution while the probe continues, Richter said. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-06/boeing-concerned-as-737s-cracks-occur-earlier-than-expected.html

I haven't searched but haven't heard either.

nt

It seems anything that saves money, is on the table nowadays.