Sends uncertified aircraft across Pacific
American confirms an Airbus A321S was accidentally put from Los Angeles to Hawaii. The aircraft was not certified to fly over the Pacific. The plane was part of the airline’s long-term strategy to upgrade service, replacing a Boeing 757 that flew that route up until last month. American immediately notified the flight crew and the Federal Aviation Administration, and the decision was made to allow the crew to complete the flight. The plane lands safely in Honolulu. Source pilot:
Somebody screwed up big-time, somewhere. All (extended operation) related equipment must be certified and be operational before a plane is cleared to fly. That means everything from oil quantities, to crew oxygen quantities. Thank God they didn’t have an emergency on that flight.