AvTalk Episode 213: Mo’ Engines, Mo’ Problems

On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing reports its first quarter results, more airlines are grounding Pratt and Whitney GTF-powered aircraft awaiting engine repair and overhaul, and a leaking lavatory jams a Delta 767’s flight controls.

FAA unveils safety review panel

The FAA has created an independent safety review panel to study ways to “enhance safety and reliability in the nation’s air traffic system.” The panel, consisting of former FAA, NTSB, NASA, and union officials, will work from May to October to produce a report on initiatives the FAA can implement to increase aviation safety in the United States.

Boeing reports first quarter earnings

Boeing posted a first quarter loss on higher revenue and higher costs, including a charge against the 767/KC-46 for additional quality issues requiring rework.

Aircraft delivery and repair delays expanding

Manufacturers are informing airlines that aircraft scheduled for delivery may be delayed until the following year. Boeing’s most recent manufacturing issue has halted most 737 MAX deliveries. Pratt and Whitney GTF-powered aircraft continue to suffer grounding due to a lack of spare engines and long repair times. Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines join the list of airlines with parked aircraft. But CFM-powered aircraft are now also affected, with SriLankan saying issues with repairs for its LEAP-powered fleet has led to grounding of some of those aircraft.

Additional aircraft destroyed in Sudan as fighting escalates

Additional aircraft on the ground in Khartoum have been destroyed including a MyWay 737-800 and Badr Airlines 737-300F (opb Asia Cargo Airlines). Additionally, an Embraer E145 operated on behalf of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service has also been destroyed. The closure of  Sudan’s airspace has now been extended.

Leaking lavatory leads to Delta 767 flight control issue

Water leaking from a mid-cabin lavatory led to ice build up and jammed aileron controls on a Delta 767 flying between Prague and New York.

Russian airlines made money in 2022, sort of

Russian airlines managed to eek out of profit in 2022, thanks in large part to their lack of spending on frills like lease payments and maintenance and the receipt of state subsidies.

JetBlue gets its “commercially viable” flight times

After complaining that its initial slot allocation for Amsterdam flights was not “commercially viable,” the airline has ended up with much better flight times for its service from New York and Boston.

United Express flight suffers bird strike at 12,000 feet

A CommuteAir E145 operating for United Express between Houston and Laredo suffered a bird strike to both engines at 12,000 feet near Corpus Christi last week. The aircraft landed safely in Laredo.

FAA unveils new standard tower

The FAA has unveiled the winner of its sustainable tower design initiative. Practice for Architecture and Urbanism’s design features a concrete base, a glass and steel cab, and a segmented concrete core that can be tall enough for the tower’s required height. The news towers will be erected at smaller airports across the US.

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