US Airlines Find Unauthorized Jet Engine Parts in Planes
Major U.S. Airlines Discover Unapproved Parts in Aircraft Engines
Several major U.S. airlines have recently made a startling discovery – some of their aircraft’s engines were equipped with unapproved parts. This shocking revelation has led to a lawsuit against the parts supplier, London-based AOG Technics.
AOG Technics, a company that acquires and sells engine parts to maintenance and repair organizations, allegedly supplied these unapproved parts. They have been found in a small number of jet engines on U.S. aircraft belonging to United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, as well as some European carriers.
The engine model most affected is the CFM56, produced by CFM International. This high-bypass turbo engine is used in single-aisle commercial airliners like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
CFM International, the joint venture between General Electric (GE) and Safran Group, did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times’ request for information.
Last week, Safran CEO Olivier Andries revealed to CH-Aviation news that his company had never dealt with AOG Technics. While the full extent of the problem is still unclear, Andries estimates that around “100 parts may be affected.”
“We don’t know who they sold those parts to and whether all airlines have done their checks,” said Andries.
When Was the Issue Discovered?
The issue was initially uncovered by TAP Air Portugal this summer.
In July, TAP Air Portugal reported the problem after discovering that “parts installed on certain CFM International manufactured engines were supported by fraudulent documentation,” according to CH-Aviation news.
On September 21, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an unapproved parts notification (UPN) regarding a bushing sold by AOG Technics without FAA production approval.
The FAA’s notice followed the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s alert in early August, which notified affected organizations about “suspected unapproved parts distributed by AOG Technics.”
“Occurrence reports have been submitted to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) indicating that several CFM56 engine parts distributed by AOG Technic have been supplied with a falsified Authorized Release Certificate (ARC),” stated EASA in an alert dated August 4. “In each confirmed example, the approved [organization], identified on the ARC, has attested that the form did not originate within their [organization] and the certificate has been falsified.”
US Carriers Respond
Southwest Airlines, with a fleet of over 800 Boeing 737s, found only one engine affected. “We became aware of the issue in early August and took necessary steps to ensure we do not have any parts in our fleet from AOG,” Southwest Airlines stated. “Our suppliers conducted a review of Southwest parts and identified one engine that contained two low-pressure turbine blades from this vendor. In an abundance of caution, we made an immediate decision to promptly replace those parts on that single engine.”
American Airlines conducted internal audits and worked with suppliers to identify affected aircraft. “Safety is the foundation on which our airline is built and operates every day,” said American Airlines. “Through the work of internal audits as well as collaboration with our suppliers, we’ve identified the uncertified components on a small number of aircraft – each [was] immediately taken out of service for replacement.”
Delta Airlines reported that less than 1 percent of its engines contained unapproved parts. “Delta has been informed by one of our engine service providers that a small number of engines they overhauled for us contain certain parts that do not meet documentation requirements,” Delta stated. ”Working with the overhaul provider, we are in the process of replacing those parts and remain in compliance with all FAA guidelines - because safety is always our priority.”
United Airlines discovered that AOG Technics parts were installed on two aircraft, but only in a single engine on each one. “As we investigated this matter, we learned that compressor stator vane seals from this supplier had been installed on a single engine on each of two aircraft, including one that was already undergoing routine maintenance,” United Airlines explained. “We are replacing the affected engines on both aircraft before they are returned to service, and we’ll continue to investigate as new information becomes available from our suppliers.”
CFM International has filed a lawsuit accusing AOG Technics of falsifying documents to sell engine parts to airlines, according to Fox Business News.
The Epoch Times was unable to locate contact information or a website for AOG Technics.
Has American Airlines found any unapproved parts in their aircraft and what measures are they taking to ensure compliance with regulations?
Om AOG Technics.”
Delta Airlines stated that they have identified and removed the unapproved parts from their CFM56 engines. United Airlines also confirmed that they have taken the necessary steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of their aircraft.
American Airlines, on the other hand, said that they have not found any unapproved parts in their aircraft so far. However, they are continuing to conduct inspections and working closely with regulators to ensure compliance.
Legal Action Against AOG Technics
The discovery of unapproved parts has led to a lawsuit
Read More From Original Article Here: Major US Airlines Discover Unapproved Jet Engine Parts Installed in Aircraft
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