FAA orders emergency inspections on Boeing 737 jets
US airlines have been ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration to check Boeing 737 jets after concerns over engine shut-downs.
The agency said it affects about 2,000 planes in the US which have been parked for seven or more days or been used fewer than 11 times since being grounded.
The FAA took action after four incidents of engines shutting down mid-flight.
Inspectors found that some engine valves can become stuck in the open position.
Corrosion of the valves may lead to loss of power and pilots may not be able to restart the engines.
Corrosion is more likely when planes are parked or used less frequently.
Alaska Airlines said one of its planes had an engine shut-down in mid-July but it landed safely without incident.
Alaska has six planes that need inspecting while United Airlines and Delta are checking 28 and 20 Boeing 737s respectively.
The order does not apply to the Boeing 737 Max which has been grounded worldwide for more than a year.
by Ray Montgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel