§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those airlines found to be(a) using unapproved parts and (b) flying without maintenance releases during the last two years. [11511]
§ Mr. BowisThe Civil Aviation Authority routinely audit both airlines and their maintenance organisations. All CAA-approved maintenance organisations have procedures to reject on receipt unapproved parts and prevent their fitting to aircraft. However, the CAA has recorded one case in February 1995 where a part fitted was found not to be in full accordance with approved standards. The part presented no hazard to the safety of the aircraft, which was operated by Maersk Air, and appropriate action has been taken to prevent any recurrence. Procedures for the strict regulation and control of aircraft parts were outlined on 22 March 1996 by my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Norris)Official Report, column 392.
In the past two years, one case has been found where a UK-registered aircraft has been released into service from routine maintenance without there being in force a certificate of release to service as required by Joint Aviation Authorities requirement JAR-145. This one case is currently under investigation by the CAA. It would be inappropriate to name the airline concerned while the investigation is under way.