Thu, Feb 12, 2009
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."
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