The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has raised a big red flag! They've found out that a London outfit, AOG Technics, might have been pulling a fast one. According to Bloomberg, they've been sneaking in uncertified parts for the repair of those trusty old engines you find in several Airbus and Boeing planes.
On August 4, 2023, EASA made it public. They've received a bunch of reports hinting that AOG Technics might have been handing out parts with dodgy "Authorized Release Certificates" (ARC). Now, these ARCs aren't just random pieces of paper—they're proof that aircraft parts are up to snuff.
Guess Who's Helping Out?
The big names in engine making, CFM International, are rolling up their sleeves and diving into this investigation. In case you're wondering, CFM is the dream team combo of Safran from France and the US's GE Aerospace. The engine caught in this whirlwind is the CFM56 high bypass turbofan. It's the workhorse for a lot of planes, including models from Airbus and Boeing.
And here's a kicker: more than 33,000 CFM56 engines are out there, having served long and hard. How many of these might have suspect parts? It's a bit foggy, but CFM has pointed out around 70 iffy ARCs linked to AOG Technics that involve a whopping 50 part numbers.
EASA spilled the beans to Bloomberg. They mentioned these parts might fit just fine in a plane, but without the proper certificates, it's like driving a car without a license.
A Bit on AOG Technics
Born in 2015, AOG Technics always projected itself as a major player in global aircraft support. They call London home, with Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala at the helm. The funny thing, though, their official website seems to have gone MIA.
EASA's Game Plan
EASA is stepping up. They're urging everyone in the business—from aircraft owners to distributors—to do a quick check. If they've got parts from AOG Technics, it's time for a thorough review. Got an ARC from AOG? Better call up the issuing organization and double-check. If things don’t add up, EASA’s advice is clear: sideline those parts till we know they're safe. And if you've already got a part with a dodgy ARC in place? Swap it out ASAP!
Oh, and the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)? They're singing from the same hymn sheet with similar advice as of August 4, 2023.
What's your take on all this? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear!
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