Mechanics at American Airlines, one of Tulsa's largest employers, are awaiting possible new instructions from the Federal Aviation Administration on how to examine their engines for fatigue.
This comes in response to Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, which experienced an engine explosion after a fatigued engine fan blade broke off earlier this week. A passenger was killed during the incident.
American Airlines has more than 400 Boeing 737s.
“Our hearts go out to the Riordan family, the passengers and crew of Flight 1380 and the entire Southwest Airlines team. After a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was published in August 2017, American Airlines voluntarily began inspections of CFM56-7B fan blades under the guidance proposed in the NPRM. We continue to closely monitor the investigation being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).”
Statement from American Airlines: