Director's Viewpoint

How long does it take for composite material to break down? What is the normal service life? This can be better determined by breaking down the sources of intermittent and cyclic stress, such as aerodynamics, mechanics, thermal, electrical, etc. Here is the crux, it may be that for an equal amount of safety for composite structures they may need to be replaced more often than metal.

Aircraft technicians on the front line of the aircraft airworthiness will be the best verifiers of the integrity of these new composites. So it is essential that those charged with maintaining these aircraft receive the proper training and conditions in which to do this job.

Interestingly, as I write this, I see my esteemed friend John Goglia on television commenting on the Southwest 737 hole. As he states, incredulous as it may be, here is another example of the right preventive maintenance not getting done in sufficient time, thus exposing the flying public to unnecessary danger. John has always told it like it is. Good for him.