RawData,
Yes, bits do indeed fall off American designs.
OTOH, would rather have a few bits fall off rather than having a compromised design, one in which it was possible to retract the leading edge devices independently of the trailing edge flaps....called ARB asleep at the switch......
IF BA/AF want to keep the old bird flying, looks like they need to pay attention to continued serviceability.....at the back end especially.
