Dozens of United Airways Holdings Inc. jets just like the one which misplaced an engine cowl over Colorado in February aren’t anticipated to fly till early subsequent yr, as federal regulators weigh further safeguards, individuals briefed on the matter mentioned.
United had hoped to renew flying the wide-body jets this summer time. Returning the planes to service has taken longer than anticipated as federal regulators take into account potential new necessities for sure Boeing Co. 777 jets powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, earlier than they once more carry passengers, these individuals mentioned. United has 52 such jets in its fleet.
U.S. air-safety regulators are contemplating a further kind of engine-blade inspection and a proposed Boeing modification geared toward stopping engine covers from ripping off ought to an engine fan blade break throughout flight, these individuals mentioned.
The Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t but decided what further safeguards it’d require earlier than the plane return to service. An company spokeswoman declined to touch upon any proposals, saying the company’s work was persevering with. The FAA might decide in coming weeks, in keeping with individuals conversant in the company’s deliberations.
The United 777 incident in February occurred shortly after takeoff from Denver. Investigators decided a fan blade in one of many airplane’s two engines fractured, main the engine’s cowl to tear off midair and rain down components on the bottom under.
