Bill Carey

The Federal Aviation Administration has allowed Southwest Airlines to continue flying Boeing 737-700s for five days until missed maintenance checks are completed. The carrier temporarily grounded 128 of the jets, about one fifth of its fleet, on February 24 after discovering that inspections of the aircraft’s standby hydraulic system were overdue.

 


“Once identified, Southwest immediately and voluntarily removed the affected aircraft from service, initiated maintenance checks, disclosed the matter to the FAA and developed an action plan to complete all overdue checks,” Southwest said in a statement. The carrier said it cancelled about 80 flights because of the grounding, but it expected minimal further impact.

 


The FAA in a statement confirmed that Southwest had notified it of the missed inspections on the “standby rudder system” late in the afternoon on February 24. The agency said it worked with Southwest and Boeing “to evaluate a proposal” that would allow the carrier to continue flying the 737s until inspections are completed.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Southwest 737s Allowed To Fly Until Inspections Completed

The FAA, Southwest Airlines and Boeing agreed on a plan that allows Southwest 737s to continue flying until overdue inspections are completed.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Next delivery for BACN program slated for 2025

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Milestone reached two years after the latest version entered service

Bombardier's Challenger 3500 Reaches 100th Delivery

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Garmin's Autoland feature could save lives if a pilot becomes incapacitated 

Textron Cessna Citation CJ4, CJ3, and M2 Jets Updated to Gen3 with Garmin Autoland

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News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Hybrid-electric aircraft will operate in VTOL or STOL modes with range of up to around 544 nm

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance VTOL/STOL Aircraft

Sarah Rose

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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Fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s history gets nods from EASA and other agencies

M700 Fury Racks Up Foreign Certifications

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Marks the operator's sixth nomination for the International Travel & Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ) Awards

FAI Rent-a-jet Nominated for ITIJ Air Ambulance Award

Chad Trautvetter

Four-week strike will affect aircraft deliveries in the fourth quarter

Textron Aviation Ships 41 Bizjets in 3Q Despite Strike

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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