Effective Mon 8th Feb, all 13 PC-7M of RNLAF 131 Squadron have been grounded due to unexpected Chromium 6 layers or residue being discovered during routine maintenance work last week. Besides the homebase of the RNLAF 131 Elementary Training Squadron, the base is also known as RNLAF Main Support Base, where heavy maintenance of most RNLAF aircraft and helicopters takes place.
The maintenance division of RNLAF, Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW) had been plagued with returning Chromium 6 issues in recent years, both with the F-16 as well as in helicopters, such as the Chinook. While protective measures have been upgraded several times, mentioning 'Chroom-6' usually creates a knee-jerk reaction from senior staff, military labour unions and news services. Within Dutch MoD and also within Dutch Rail ('NS") several Chromium-6 scandals have made the public at large, news outlets and politicians very aware of the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the substance.
More practical, Woensdrecht AB spotters have to keep their fingers crossed for a quick release to make those 'PC-7 in the snow' shots...
In Dutch: https://www.bndestem.nl/bergen-op-zoom/ ... oogle.com/
Grounding of Dutch PC-7 fleet due to Chromium-6 issue
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