Media Release
4th March 2005

Asbestos Discovered on Fairchild Metroliner Aircraft Operated by Australian Defence Force

It has been recently reported that three Fairchild Metroliner aircraft used for training purposes at an RAAF airbase in New South Wales were discovered to be fitted with parts containing asbestos. The parts were detected during routine maintenance.

These aircraft are understood to be earlier models than those currently operated by Skippers, with the material being detected in heat insulator products that were apparently fitted to the subject aircraft at a point some time after manufacture.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have advised Skippers that, based on information provided to them by the manufacturer, aircraft manufactured after April 1992 are not likely to have asbestos containing parts.

Skippers' fleet of six Metro 23's were manufactured between 1994 and 1996.

Skippers have confirmed that no modifications fitting this description have been undertaken on their aircraft and that the Metroliner aircraft operated by Skippers are not affected by this occurrence.

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For further information, please contact:
Rob Swann on Ph: (08) 9478 3989