US Airlines Install New Speed Sensors on Airbus Aircraft

US airlines operating Airbus planes on long-haul routes are installing new speed sensors, following recommendations by Airbus, after the June 1 crash of an Air France A330 in the Atlantic Ocean that killed 228 people. Delta Air Lines, UAL Corp's United Airlines, and US Airways Group are among those implementing the change. The new sensors, known as pitot tubes, have become a focus of the investigation, with potential icing and resulting incorrect speed readings being considered a possible cause.

Key Takeaways:

• The Air France A330 crash on June 1 resulted in the deaths of 228 people, with the cause still under investigation.
• Airbus recommended in 2006 that operators of A320 aircraft replace their existing pitot tubes, while operators of A330/A340 aircraft were recommended to do so in 2007.
• US airlines such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and US Airways Group have begun installing new speed sensors on their Airbus aircraft, following Airbus' recommendations.
• The new sensors aim to provide better performance and potentially avoid incorrect speed readings caused by icing of the existing pitot tubes.
• The US airlines have been communicating with their flight crews to reiterate correct procedures in case of unreliable airspeed indications until the installations are complete.
• Airbus' recommendations for replacing the pitot tubes have been implemented gradually, with the part replacements under way since Airbus issued its recommendations.

Statistics:

• The Air France A330 crash occurred on June 1, resulting in the deaths of 228 people.
• 2006: Airbus recommended operators of A320 aircraft replace their existing pitot tubes.
• 2007: Airbus recommended operators of A330/A340 aircraft replace the pitot tubes.
• The part replacements have been under way since Airbus issued its recommendations.
• Airbus' A320 and A330/A340 aircraft series are being fitted with new pitot tube sensors.

Sources:

• Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.