FAA TO ISSUE AD ON 737NG THRUST REVERSER AS THE A320NEO COULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) says that it will issue an airworthiness directive (AD) today calling for 737NG operators to start periodic inspections of the thrust reverser assemblies. The move follows reports of damage to the attachment fittings for thrust reverser actuators of aircraft in service. The damage is caused when bushings in the actuator attach fitting wear out due to friction during the normal course of operations which in turn could lead to actuator attach fitting failure, loss of the thrust reverser auto re-stow function, and consequent loss of control of the aircraft. Loss of the thrust reverser