C-130Js added to wing inspection list

[unhappycamper]

Though they weren't technically grounded, hundreds of C-130s were inspected Thursday for potential problems with nuts that attach the wings to the fuselage, officials said.


C-130Js added to wing inspection list
Staff and wire reports
Posted : Friday Mar 6, 2009 14:24:02 EST

The Air Force’s fleet of C-130J Hercules is part of the ongoing inspection of the C-130 fleet, Air Mobility Command said Friday.

The 68 J-models brings the total number of C-130s needing wing inspections to 596. Along with the C-130s used to fly cargo and passengers, the inspection orders applies to combat C-130s flown by Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command.

Maintainers at C-130 installations were told Thursday to check for defective nuts that help attach the plane’s wings to the fuselage section called the wing box.

The planes aren’t grounded but can’t fly until checked, a process that takes about four hours, said Roger Drinnon, an AMC spokesman at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. in Illinois.

The inspections are expected to be completed soon, Drinnon said.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/03/ap_c130_inspections_030509/%2e



uhc comment: I'd be willing to bet there will be a story out within the next three months about C-5s and/or C-17s having wing problems.

[Angleae]

1. C-5s have already been through this once.

Back in the 70s. Most "A" models had their wings replaced at that time. But considering the C-130, C-5, and C-141 all had (or have) major wing cracks and all are built by Lockheed, it's possible the C-17 (built by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing) might not have the problem.