3 ms·
The metal fatigue issue is a solved problem with life limited parts and maintenance check intervals, and whilst African airlines might cut some maintenance corn
by notahacker 2y ago
The metal fatigue issue is a solved problem with life limited parts and maintenance check intervals, and whilst African airlines might cut some maintenance corners, they won't have missed a D check or major engine overhaul
Quite normal for passenger jets to last over 20 years, Northwest was flying 40 year old DC-9s in the US not that long ago, and the reason for retiring them is that their lower efficiency means they're worth less than the cost of the necessary overhauls, not that the maintenance can't be done.
- bluGill 2y agoDC9 was made of different materials from the 737 and so has a different lifespan.
- notahacker 2y agoThey're of similar construction, and it's categorically false that the 737 classic had a maximum 20 year lifespan or they're living on borrowed time after that. They're routinely operated as cargo aircraft in the United States, just like many other older jet aircraft (for reasons of operating economics, not safety)