Again along with Officer (Captain?) West Point, I reiterate that discussion of Pratt engined aircraft needing to be withdrawn from service owing to these mandatory inspections impacts Amtrak operations - especially in the Corridor, where Amtrak has chopped up at least one Acela set (nice source of parts) plus an array of Amfleets.
While we have well chronicled the delays with no end in sight for the new Acela equipment, does anyone really think that the Airo equipment will be delivered and accepted "on time and on budget"? That hasn't happened around Amtrak since 1977.
One must wonder if this
incident was the harbinger of the present, even though it involved a Boeing aircraft and an engine considerably larger than any on an A-320 series.
There is of course much more over at
Airliners Net on this aircraft matter, and it has been of concern over there for much longer than this at present.
Finally, in about three weeks when I go overseas, "Generals #1 and #2" will be reporting for duty on a United 788. My biggest gripe with that aircraft is the Attendants decide when I may flightsee.
disclaimer : author Long RTX (GE has yet to recover to level where author sold position in such)