air-cargo

FAA to Investigate Low-Pass Maneuver by Converted 777 Freighter

Federal Aviation Administration investigators will probe a controversial low-altitude pass executed by a converted Boeing 777-200LR freighter during pre-delivery testing. Video footage shows the aircraft flying meters above ground parallel to runway 17/35 at Horseshoe Bay Resort airport west of Austin, with its right wing-tip coming close to the runway surface before banking and climbing away. The jet, registered N705DN and bearing Qatar Airways cargo livery, was undertaking final tests before delivery. It was not being operated by Qatar Airways. Radio communications indicate the crew announced a "low approach" on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency. The aircraft departed Grissom Joint Reserve Air Base in Indiana on June 24, bound for Fort Worth Alliance airport. Jetran, a US aviation services and leasing firm, is placing the Mammoth Freighters-converted aircraft with customers. Jetran stressed the aircraft was neither owned nor operated by Qatar Airways and the pilots were not airline crew. The company stated the maneuver "does not reflect operational standards" and called for thorough investigation. The airframe was previously operated by Delta Air Lines.