The Washington Post has published an article about a federal oversight report - which blames the FAA for not using an adequate system for checking the quality of airplane components.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...le/2008/02/29/AR2008022903544.html

"Neither manufacturers nor FAA inspectors have provided effective oversight of suppliers; this has allowed substandard parts to enter the aviation supply chain," reads the report, dated Feb. 26."

The report cited four engine failures in 2003 -- three on the ground, one in flight -- that were traced to "unapproved design changes made by a . . . supplier" of speed sensors on engine fuel pumps."


PH