Goodrich seeks to revamp 757s

The Federal Aviation Administration is close to certifying a converted passenger version of Boeing Co.’s 757 that is being worked on by Goodrich Corp.’s Everett jet maintenance facility.

Goodrich is converting used passenger 757-200s into cargo planes under a contract with Precision Conversions, an Oregon-based joint venture company.

Precision has applied for a supplemental type certificate from the FAA, which would give regulatory approval for the design change.

A decision is imminent, and likely to be made within a few weeks once some paperwork is concluded, said Allen Kenitzer, a regional FAA spokesman.

Unlike other 757 cargo conversions, Precision’s plan involves removing skin panels and stringers from one side of an entire section of the airplane, and incorporating a new cargo door within the plane’s original framework. Most cargo doors are installed by simply cutting through the side of the plane.

Precision sees a market for several hundred converted 757 cargo jets, which could replace aging 727s and DC-9s in freight-hauling fleets. The planes have become more available in recent years as airlines have retired them.