Recently the FAA has required operators of 767 aircraft to inspect the engine pylons on their fleet because cracking was found on a few pylons in the American Airlines fleet recently.  A co-worker expressed concern about this because they will be flying an American 767 in a few weeks and asked about it. 

I would have absolutely no worries about flying on a 767 of any type despite this discovery.  As aircraft age, they do develop new trends in how their structures age.  While the pylons found had cracked, very few, so far, have been discovered to have actual cracks.  I have no doubt that there will be increased inspections on this area of the aircraft and if pylons are showing fatigue, they’ll be replaced immediately. 

Yes, it stirs up pictures of a certain DC-10 from the 1970’s in Chicago.  However, there are differences between the two aircraft.  First, the DC-10 cracks developed because of improper maintenace procedures.  The cracks found on the 767 result from simple metal fatigue.  How is that different?  In the latter case, the progression is much more preditable typically.  In the former situation, severe stress was being placed on parts and in areas where it wasn’t supposed to be.  It is kind of like feeling sore and tired and how you got that way. If you were beat up by someone, you’re sore and tired and you may have other injuries.  If you’re just old, it’s a natural consequence of age and something you can do something about but it doesn’t necessarily indicate catastrophe or other injuries either.

Yes, fly the 767 with confidence.  It’s an aircraft that will be around for some time to come.

Filed under: Airline News by ajax