Works To Resolve Aircraft Slide Inspection Compliance, Expects Flight Disruptions To Be Resolved Promptly

The FAA this week became aware that Allegiant Air may not have inspected some emergency evacuation slides on its MD-80 fleet at required intervals. The agency learned about the issue while investigating an emergency evacuation of Allegiant Airlines flight 436 at McCarran International Airport on September 16, in which all passengers were safely evacuated. The agency directed Allegiant to immediately report the inspection status of all slides installed on its MD-80 fleet.

Allegiant said in a news release that it has already begun the reinspections and expects to complete the process by the end of September. MD80 aircraft will be placed back in service as soon as possible after the slides pass reinspection.  In the meantime, Allegiant will take as many as 30 MD80s out of service and delay, reschedule or cancel a number of flights over the next several days.

During a thorough incident review earlier this week, Allegiant maintenance became aware of a discrepancy in its slide maintenance schedule. In 2007, the original manufacturer recommendation for slide maintenance schedule changed from once every three years to once a year for slides older than 15 years. Allegiant discovered that many of the slides had not been inspected within the last year and did not comply with this recommendation. This prompted Allegiant to proactively remove aircraft from service until all slides could be brought into compliance. To inspect and overhaul the slides, the slides must be removed and sent to a regulated inspection and maintenance facility. 

"We apologize for the disruption to our passengers and ask that they please remain patient as we work to correct the issue, reschedule affected flights and accommodate any passengers impacted," said Andrew Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "Allegiant is committed, above all else, to the safety of our passengers and crew, and we are dedicated to working around-the-clock to ensure that all of our fleet meets the highest standards."

At this time, it is unknown how long the disruption in flight schedule will last. Allegiant has activated additional call center staff, and Allegiant will be contacting affected travelers directly.

(Image from file)

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