View Full Version : 744 one winglet missing
globallocal
7th Feb 2007, 09:19
Saw a 744 with only one winglet taxing for Dept, is this a SOP with all operators, as it did depart from RJAA today? :eek:
It's difficult to say wether it is "SOP with all operators" without seeing all their Configuration Deviation Lists, but it's allowable in our oufit. I would guess that since the engineering approval for such a deviation from the norm comes from Boeing, all 400 operators can do it...I'm sure someone will now prove me wrong.
All references I have seen to this on the 747-400 say that operating with one winglet missing is within MEL (often following minor damage at a remote station) but you cannot go with both missing. This has always seemed strange and I wonder why.
Story I heard ( probably on this forum) was that Boeing only did Flight Tests for the one winglet missing configuration, hence that's all that's allowable.
globallocal
8th Feb 2007, 01:22
Thanks guys, just thought it was a bit strange, you learn something new very day! GL