The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Boeing’s protocols for returning MD-11 cargo jets to service, clearing the way for FedEx to resume flights with the aircraft.
FedEx began operating two of its 28 MD-11s over the weekend after completing required inspections and maintenance actions, validated in coordination with Boeing and the FAA. The approval followed an extensive agency review prompted by a fatal UPS MD-11 crash in Kentucky last year that killed 15 people.
The NTSB investigation into the incident identified fatigue cracks in a support structure on the left engine pylon, known as the bearing race. Boeing had warned operators about potential failures in this component as early as 2011, after similar issues appeared in three other planes.
All MD-11 and MD-11F jets had been grounded since November pending inspections and corrective measures. FedEx plans to reinstate its full fleet later this month once the remaining aircraft meet the maintenance requirements. The NTSB has scheduled an investigative hearing for May 19-20.