AvTalk - Aviation Podcast AvTalk Episode 347: Fatigue cracks, thrust levers, and sand ballast
Nov 27, 2025
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, an aviation journalist and historian, shares insights into the recent MD-11 crash and its troubling pylon fatigue findings. He explains the implications of emergency airworthiness directives on DC-10s and their impact on firefighting capabilities. In Seoul, frequent flyer Seth Miller contrasts his luxurious JAL first class experience with Jason's Korean Air economy trip. They also delve into the JetBlue 25for25 challenge, outlining strategies and obstacles as they navigate their travel adventures.
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Grounding Could End MD-11/DC-10 Service
- The MD-11/DC-10 fleet was grounded for inspections after finding pylon fatigue, and Boeing now expects invasive work and lengthy grounding.
- Widespread fatigue could make repairs uneconomical and risk ending these aircraft's service, including critical aerial tankers.
Firefighting Capability At Risk
- DC-10s provide unique aerial firefighting capacity not matched by current alternatives, so their removal would create capability gaps.
- Two DC-10 fire tankers already in heavy maintenance might speed returns if repairs prove feasible.
Weather Balloon Ballast Caused Windshield Strike
- United 1093's windshield damage at FL360 matches the size and shape of a weather balloon's sand ballast rather than space debris.
- The windshield shattered but maintained pressure, showing multi-layer windscreen resilience.