First B777 scrapped
 

Anyone see this article about the first 777 to be broken up? Just wondering the reasons behind it - was the aircraft a write-off due to a prang or is it because it was one of those early build machines which don't have the capabilities of the enhanced versions? Seems strange for such a relatively young frame to be chopped.



Ex-BA Boeing 777-200 is first to go for scrap, as US aircraft spares specialist dismantles G-ZZZE 11 years after twinjet entered service
By Guy Norris
A US aircraft spares specialist is to undertake the first scrapping of a Boeing 777 - just 11 years after the twinjet first entered service.
Memphis-based Universal Asset Management has acquired a General Electric GE90-powered 777-200 (MSN 27109) for disassembly. According to Flight's Acas database, the aircraft (line number 19) was originally delivered to British Airways in January 1996 as G-ZZZE, being one of five non-Extended Range variants that the airline operated.
The 777, originally equipped with GE90-76B engines, but subsequently fitted with more powerful GE90-90Bs, says Universal, was traded by BA to Boeing in 2002. After initially being placed with the now-defunct Algerian carrier Khalifa Airways in 2003, it entered service with Varig as PP-VRD in 2004. The aircraft was returned to Boeing in August and is now registered N703BA.
Universal, which has disassembled more than 160 airliners in the past 10 years, says this is the first disassembly of a 777 and component parts will be available for sale in the near future.

I'm certain this his been asked before but here goes.

Every commercial aircraft is subject to a maintenance schedule (AMS).
This determines when it requires scheduled (light) line maintenance or (Heavy) Base maintenance. The AMS is subject to many factors.

I'm relatively confident that during its time with BA, it received regular attention at LHR and BAMC per manufacturer/operator requirements, based on a number of factors - eg: cycles, flying hours,
all Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives, Mods embodied etc.

Additionally, it may be due an extensive Base Maintenance check that the owner cannot guarantee a financial return on. So far, I've only raised
the 'known' quantities issue - ie: scheduled, what about unscheduled
maintenance or large structural repairs? Happens more often than you know!

To finish off, the a/c has been with a couple of operators since BA that may have had problems with either equipment, staff or finances (Varig) to keep an accurate record of its service history. Any lapse, recorded or otherwise obviously affects the a/c value. But, the fact it isn't 'ER' powered/equipped probably sealed its fate though.

Seems a waste but then again, Rotables will be removed, overhauled, tested and recertified per applicable Component Maintenance Manual, and re-used on other B777s for years to come. As for the airframe itself, you'll be seeing it soon in the guise of one or two 330ml aluminium Coke cans!

Regards

BAe 146???:{ :{

folks, detailed thread already going on this @ SPECTATORS BALCONY

However you wont see the aircraft airside again as the cans are over 100ml!

More info here:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=252418