They need to swap out all those airframes. They're all lot 6's and 8's -- they need to update to lot 17's or something. Probably take quite a bit of retraining for the avionics, but at least the airframe wouldn't have so many hours on it. They have really outstanding maintenance practices, but that just isn't any substitute for non-destructive-inspection like the Airforce does on their planes, and ordinary airframe stress.
I am never surprised when one of those planes drops out. It is nothing less than astounding how long they've already lasted.
note- I don't remember bunos, but lot 6's date back to 1988.
|