A decision last year by American Airlines to revise procedures for mechanics to inspect aircraft involved in suspected lightning strikes has garnered the attention of the US FAA, which plans to meet with the carrier about the issue.

At this time, however, no formal investigation has been launched by the agency.

Questions have been raised by some American mechanics about the adequacy of the airline’s revised procedures, confirms a FAA spokesman. Additionally, he says, there are two pilot reports in the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) database on the same subject. A program designed by the FAA, ASAP encourages voluntary reporting of safety issues at airlines and maintenance centres.

Citing internal company and agency documents, the Wall Street Journal reports that American ordered mechanics to start skipping certain safety inspections to detect damage to aircraft from suspected lightning strikes. <P al

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