Raytheon Addressing Beechjet Flameouts

Raytheon Aircraft said it is working with the FAA, NTSB, Transport Canada and Pratt & Whitney Canada to determine the root cause of three Beechjet dual engine flameouts in less than two years (see "Third dual flameout raises questions about Beechjet," AINonline). "We hope to conclude these discussions within days, along with recommended actions to assure continued safety for our operators," a company spokesman told AIN. He said the 625-strong Beechjet fleet has accumulated more than three million flight hours, during which time it has recorded an "extraordinary safety record." Raytheon has proposed aircraft flight manual procedure language changes to the FAA and NTSB in response to the dual flameouts, "which we believe will address the probable cause as well as safety concerns for our operators." Though the spokesman would not provide details about the new procedures, he said the company expects to soon release to all operators a safety communiqué that will explain those procedures. Meanwhile, the NTSB is continuing its investigation into all three incidents.