This week (4/28/08-5/2/08), WTVF, the Nashville CBS affiliate is running an investigative report on MD and Boeing Aircraft.
(keep in mind, this report started 9 months ago, way before the SWA and MD-80 series issues of the past month.)

First, a few words. I know, its TV news, and we all know who wonderful they generally cover airline issues. But I must say, Phil Williams, the lead "investigator," is usually very fair in his reporting.

So far, there have been two stories. Mondays story is about the Kapton Wiring, and at least, explains very well why the MD-80's were checked and rechecked a few weeks ago.

Tuesdays story is about the AN-26 insulation issue, and how it is in Boeing Aircraft built before 1988, are still flying around with it, while the MD series, which include the DC-10, MD-11, MD-80, MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft, have been ordered to have their AN-26 removed.

I will say, it was a very informative story. It looked to have all aircraft correctly identified, and pretty well done for "Tabloid journalism."

Here is the link to the main page of all the stories, you must click to watch each video, about 3-4 minutes each:

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=132748


The first few links are about the wiring, the last few are about the insulation.

After watching these stories, I know no better place than A.net to see how right they are. At very least, you get a visual on why AA had their problems lately and will give you a good visual about why the MD-80s had to have wiring a certain distance apart from each other.

Watch and comment!

[Edited 2008-04-30 16:16:47]