'Sketchy' Plane Parts For Sale Online

Unauthorized vendors in China, US offer uncertified Boeing, Airbus hardware

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 4, 2008 10:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Spare Boeing and Airbus parts of dubious origin have been found for sale on Internet sites such as Craiglist, BusinessWeek reports. The parts, including vital valves and gears, are being sold by at least 24 vendors—mainly in China and the US—without FAA approval or documentation that they've been inspected for airworthiness.

Unapproved parts being used in aircraft has plagued the FAA for years, and counterfeiters are becoming more sophisticated. The study, from a company that specializes in protecting brands, didn't discover which airlines were scouring the Internet for parts, but experts say controls are strongest in North America and Europe, and weakest in parts of Africa and Asia.

The problem of plane parts of dubious origin has plagued aviation for years, and specialists say the forgeries are getting more sophisticated all the time. ((c) Jef Poskanzer)

Aircraft parts, including valves, gears, gauges, and radar components, have been found on the Internet for sale by unauthorized vendors. ((c) Marcin Wichary)

A worker wheels a parts cart past a Boeing Co. 777 airplane being assembled in Everett, Wash. in this July 7, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file)

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Boeing • Airbus • black market • Craigslist • aviation • aircraft • classified ads

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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1600 Cockpit Doors May Be Defective

Airlines ordered to repair anti-hijack doors

Boeing's Dreamliner Takes Off Next Week

Company prepares long-delayed 787 for maiden flight

China Plunges Into Commercial Aviation

Expanding demand for aircraft motivates challenge to Boeing, Airbus

Congress Will Nix Airbus Deal, Boeing Says

US firm blasts 'unfair' award of Air Force contract to Europeans

China Unveils 1st Passenger Jet

Beijing hopes to compete with Boeing and Airbus

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