Says Proper Overhaul Procedures Were Not Followed 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Order of Suspension against AAR Landing Gear Services of Miami, FL for violations of Federal Aviation Regulations.

AAR is an FAA-certificated repair station operating under Part 145 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, with ratings to repair aircraft landing gear, airframe and aircraft accessories.

The Emergency Order was issued following inspections which revealed that AAR did not follow aircraft manufacturer maintenance manual procedures for conducting liquid penetrant exams, shot peening and cadmium plating before returning to service a variety of landing gear parts for air carrier aircraft. The FAA maintains AAR employed defective processes and followed defective inspection protocols.

Shot peening is a procedure to harden the surface of metal parts and remove corrosion. Cadmium plating is a coating applied to metal parts to prevent corrosion. Penetrant examination is a non- destructive testing method usually performed to detect cracks and corrosion.

The agency determined that AAR's actions returned aircraft parts to service as being overhauled when they were not, and failed to perform required maintenance procedures. All affected operators were notified of the suspect parts in March 2008 and corrective action was taken.

The Emergency Order of Suspension was effective Tuesday, and remains in effect until AAR Landing Gear Services demonstrates that it meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

AAR may appeal the Emergency Order to the National Transportation Safety Board by February 20.

"We have worked diligently with the FAA over the past year to respond to its concerns," said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AAR CORP. "We remain committed to resolving this matter as expeditiously as possible. The company will also work equally hard to minimize any inconvenience to its customers and employees during this period."

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.aarcorp.com