From Allied Command Operations:  The NATO AWACS fleet operating out of Geilenkirchen stayed on the ground Thursday 29 April after corrosion was found on the nose wheel landing gear door mechanism. The corrosion has the potential to prevent proper deployment of the landing gear and was identified after a minor problem was experienced by one of the aircraft.

"Our number one concern is to ensure safe operations. The E3-A fleet will stay temporarily on the ground in order to allow us to inspect and rectify the problems. Subject to the availability of spares we expect to have aircraft operating again within days," said Brig Gen Pototzky, Commander of the NATO E-3A Component in Geilenkirchen (Germany).

The Trainer Cargo Airlift (TCA), the E3-D (United Kingdom) and E3-F (France) are unaffected.  (photo: Allied Command Operations)

Image: aco%205%205%2010.jpg