Are 737s ticking timebombs of poor engineering?

[Alex+R 0]

My mother insists that all 737s are time bombs because of some sort of unexplainable problem they have that causes them to crash for no reason. She says they are more likely to crash than other planes (and not just because there are way more of them than any other type--proportionately). Something about a rudder or something..

Can anyone here enlighten me on what she's talking about or point me to something to convince her otherwise? Google has not helped much.

I am getting tired of fighting with her every time I take a flight on a 737, and her saying I'm taking my life into my own hands, etc.

[Jenn! 918]

I found reference to some sort of rudder defect that must be corrected by 2008.

"FAA has ordered an upgrade of all B-737 before November 12, 2008. [5] All airlines must install a new rudder control system that includes new components such as an aft torque tube, hydraulic actuators, and associated control rods, and additional wiring throughout the airplane to support failure annunciation of the rudder control system in the flight deck. The system also must incorporate two separate inputs, each with an override mechanism, to two separate servo valves on the main rudder power control unit (PCU) and an input to the standby PCU that also will include an override mechanism."

Try this site, I can't access it:

http://www.airlinesafety.com/faq/B-737Rudder.htm

[payxibka 10,045]

My mother insists that all 737s are time bombs because of some sort of unexplainable problem they have that causes them to crash for no reason. She says they are more likely to crash than other planes (and not just because there are way more of them than any other type--proportionately). Something about a rudder or something..

Can anyone here enlighten me on what she's talking about or point me to something to convince her otherwise? Google has not helped much.

I am getting tired of fighting with her every time I take a flight on a 737, and her saying I'm taking my life into my own hands, etc.

The problem stems from a couple of accidents many years ago.

[garya505 2]

The 737 is a real workhorse and there are a lot of them in the air everyday so if they were falling out of the sky we would probably be hearing about it.

[Alex+R 0]

Hm Jenn, that site did explain it a lot. I wonder if it's not some sort of conspiracy theory, or if it's actually a big problem.

Either way, I keep telling her it's still safer than driving, but she doesn't listen to reason here...

[Jenn! 918]

Hm Jenn, that site did explain it a lot. I wonder if it's not some sort of conspiracy theory, or if it's actually a big problem.

Either way, I keep telling her it's still safer than driving, but she doesn't listen to reason here...

Mothers...

[Arazia 0]

http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf

I don't know if this helps but... there's lots of stats on plane accidents in there. I didn't have time to look through it all.

Edited December 12, 2006 by Arazia

[eric&gen 0]

Sure it wasnt another al Qaeda attack??!!!

Edited December 12, 2006 by eric&gen

[garya505 2]

Sure it wasnt another al Qaeda attack??!!!

Or a plot by Bush to raise the price of oil so his friends could make more money??!!!

[payxibka 10,045]

The 737 is a real workhorse and there are a lot of them in the air everyday so if they were falling out of the sky we would probably be hearing about it.

If you read the AD's, the affected models are the -100 through -500 series. The 737 also comes in a -700 and -800 variant as well. Most (if not all) of the -100 and -200's have been removed from US scheduled domestic passenger service but they will be seen in other places in the world. the -300 to -500 are however plentiful in the US and elsewhere.

[garya505 2]

The 737 is a real workhorse and there are a lot of them in the air everyday so if they were falling out of the sky we would probably be hearing about it.

If you read the AD's, the affected models are the -100 through -500 series. The 737 also comes in a -700 and -800 variant as well. Most (if not all) of the -100 and -200's have been removed from US scheduled domestic passenger service but they will be seen in other places in the world. the -300 to -500 are however plentiful in the US and elsewhere.

Hmmm, Philippine Airlines is still flying some 737s (actually Air Philippines flights but opereated by PAL). I wonder what series those are.

BTW, I think if you look around the world you can still find some DC3s in service in some remote areas. I've always wanted to get a ride in one of those.

[Heracles 417]

Yes she seems to be right.

This site has a list of Fatal Event Rate Per Million Flights and the 737 has the highest number of fatal events. Then again they have flown the most miles..

There is a great show I have watched in Australia on the National Geographic channel called: Air Crash Investigation. For some unknown reason this show is not screened in the US..

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Hm Jenn, that site did explain it a lot. I wonder if it's not some sort of conspiracy theory, or if it's actually a big problem.

Either way, I keep telling her it's still safer than driving, but she doesn't listen to reason here...

While there is a problem with older 737's (many of which are still in service) due to age and usage (both of which can cause/aggravate metal fatigue), the only "conspiracy" would be if Boeing managed to somehow suppress all other bids (while it DID give larger bribes to win some of them, that doesn't actually suppress).

[payxibka 10,045]

BTW, I think if you look around the world you can still find some DC3s in service in some remote areas. I've always wanted to get a ride in one of those.

DC3 would be cool. Try a Tu-134 or an An-24, those are a trip!

[yogib37 3]

Hello

I know a lot about the 737. It is a beatiful airplane and is a work horse. They been in service since the 1960's and still being produced today.

Yes their was a Rudder problem that cause a abnormal rudder input to cause the plane to lose control. I know the FAA (Fix After Accident) has order it to be fixed.

They are very good planes and I am not scared of them. I am more scared of Airbuses.

I am a aviation maintenance Technician. I have worked on 737's before.

So you can tell your mother that dont worry..

Yogi