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You probably have heard that things are progressing back towards a launch
date for us. Currently, the most highly skilled welders in the United
States are doing incredible things with our engine flowliners. I cannot
even begin to explain how they are doing this repair but they have been
practicing since the first crack was found, and they have been in
competition with each other to find the few perfect welders. It is an
amazing thing to see so many people throw themselves into this repair effort
with such pride and dedication. Members of my crew plan to fly down to
Florida to inspect the work and personally thank the welders and the quality
control inspector who found the cracks.
The current plan is to finish the repairs (which started Saturday) by
Thursday, August 8. The engines will be re-installed starting on Friday, and the
tentative plan is to launch us on Saturday September 28. This plan hinges
completely on finishing the repairs this Thursday, so I ask that you not
make any travel plans before then. This is just advance notice so you can
start thinking about it. The schedule from the end of the repair to the
launch date is well understood and even contains a few spare days should any
other small issues come up (as they always do).
I realize that many of you may no
longer be able to come, but I am hopeful that there are others who now will
be able to attend.
Thanks again for the many words of support and enthusiasm you have sent to
me in the past few weeks. We are back on schedule in training and working
very hard but thrilled to be "prime crew!"
Hugs to all,
Pam
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