Find out what The 33 News Team is really thinking
Aug
26
10:35PM | August 26, 2009 | posted by Jim Grimes | comments: 0
Parts Is Parts
Southwest may be facing some stiff fines after the FAA discovered a contractor for the airline used unauthorized parts for repairs on some of its older jets. Today while talking to passengers at Love Field one asked me "so what's the big deal?"
As it turns out, it is a big deal. When an airline needs to buy replacement parts it just can't run down to the hardware store for a screw or bracket. The FAA tells me ever single part needs to come from a certified manufacturer. The parts are recorded and approved before ever being placed on jet. It's a paperwork nightmare but an important procedure that cant be compromised. Imagine if a seemingly insignificant bolt were to fail at 20 thousand feet?
Jim Grimes
jgrimes@tribune.com
As it turns out, it is a big deal. When an airline needs to buy replacement parts it just can't run down to the hardware store for a screw or bracket. The FAA tells me ever single part needs to come from a certified manufacturer. The parts are recorded and approved before ever being placed on jet. It's a paperwork nightmare but an important procedure that cant be compromised. Imagine if a seemingly insignificant bolt were to fail at 20 thousand feet?
Jim Grimes
jgrimes@tribune.com
