FAA orders inspections of Boeing 737s

[Henk Voortwijs]

The Federal Aviation Administration is ordering that more than 1,000 Boeing 737 jets be inspected for a problem which could cause pilots to lose control of the aircraft.
According to the FAA, the inspections will focus on pins which attach the horizontal stabilizers to the fuselage. They were prompted by reports that a coating used to protect the pins from wear and corrosion was applied incorrectly.
The FAA says premature failure of the pins could cause reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer to fuselage attachment, resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
The part number of each pin must be checked and pins with certain part numbers must be replaced with new, improved attach pins.
The order, called an Airworthiness Directive, is effective May 20 and applies to Boeing 737 series 600, 700, 700-C, 800, 900 and 900-ER aircraft.
The inspections are not expected to affect airline schedules.
The aircraft included in the directive are relatively new, entering service in 1998 or later.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/15/trave ... index.html

[ehusmann]

The aircraft included in the directive are relatively new, entering service in 1998 or later.

From Wikipedia (about B737NG only, not classics):

First flight: February 9, 1997
Introduction: 1998 with Southwest Airlines

In other words, all.... just wonder how they come to 1000 instead of the almost 5000 flying already. Unless they know in which aircraft the faulty pins might have been installed.

Erwin

[joost]

ust wonder how they come to 1000 instead of the almost 5000 flying already.

Well they said "more than 1000" which is correct off course..
Asume they mentioned this number for general public not to create any disconcerns about the 737 fleet. but that's is just an asumption.
Furthermore, this was mentioned by CNN as such, not FAA if you click on FAA link on CNN page there you will find clear it concerns all B737 -6/7/8/9