First 737 That Won't Require Retrofit

James Wallace, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reported that the first of the newest 737s has headed for flight test and the paint shop. It's a significant bird, because it is the first to incorporate the latest rudder-control redesign, triggered by fatal crashes in Pennsylvania (Flight 427, September 8, 1994) and earlier, in Colorado (Flight 585, March 3, 1991).

The redesign incorporates no breakthrough technology; in fact, it is based on the 757's design.

The 737 design has been duplicated in metal over 4000 times; over 3000 of those airliners are expected to ultimately receive the rudder control upgrade. (The rest will be retired before the AD deadline is reached; or they will remain in overseas employ, out of reach of the FAA's AD.)

Wallace reports that the FAA originally pegged the labor involved in the retrofit at 700 hours per airplane; now, with some experience and revised procedures, as well as some specialized tooling, that figure has dropped to 125 hours or so. The airlines pay for the labor; Boeing supplies the parts. Retrofit kits will start shipping later this year.

The first "new-rudder" 737 left the Renton (WA) plant Monday. It will, upon delivery late this month, go into service overseas.

FMI: www.boeing.com; Flight 585;  Flight 427