Vic: Jet inspection 12 months overdue: union

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2001
Vic: Jet inspection 12 months overdue: union

MELBOURNE, April 10 AAP - Four Ansett jets grounded after cracks were found in their
engine pylon mountings were among a fleet of six due for inspection more than a year ago,
union officials said today.

Seven 767-200 jets were checked yesterday when it was discovered the inspections were overdue.

Four remained grounded after cracks were found, one has since returned to the air.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union spokesman Victor Jose said Boeing called Ansett
last week after it was revealed its 767-200 jets had been due for an inspection in March
last year.

Six jets were grounded last Christmas when the airline discovered it had forgotten
to carry out separate compulsory airframe inspections.

Mr Jose said in both incidents Boeing had sent written requests for inspections.

"Somehow the paperwork ended up at the bottom of the pile," Mr Jose said.

"It's a similar situation to what happened at Christmas.

"There are too many anomalies happening.

"These are not minimal problems, some of these things are critical.

"Who know's what's flying in the air at the moment."

Mr Jose said unions did not know whether problems were due to mismanagement or an inadequate
inspection process.

"Either way, it's not acceptable," he said.

Ansett did not have the space or manpower in Australia to keep on top of its inspections,
Mr Jose said.

A response from Ansett management was not immediately available.

AAP jmw/gfr/gmw/br o

KEYWORD: ANSETT UNION

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