Originally Posted by
Lambourne
Didn't see
this posted on the forum, from the WSJ. Interesting reading about SWA and continuing issue with maintenance compliance.
"FAA inspectors and managers maintained that since the specific parts were never authorized for aviation use, the planes that had them installed technically weren't fit to carry passengers. Only an airline can ground its aircraft, but carriers don't want to continue flying planes contrary to the FAA's wishes. The agency has authority to impose fines and other penalties when it feels certain planes shouldn't operate."
L
UPDATE 1-Southwest jets can fly with unapproved parts -govt | Reuters
* Unauthorized parts found on older Southwest 737s
* Parts do not pose safety threat, FAA says (Updates with FAA, Southwest comment)
4 Fan.