FAA Flags Unapproved Titanium in Boeing 787 Ram Air Turbines
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking regulatory action after discovering that some Boeing 787 Dreamliner ram air turbine (RAT) fittings may have been manufactured using unapproved and potentially inferior titanium. Boeing assembles the 787 series at its facility in North Charleston, South Carolina.
In a notice of proposed rulemaking issued on July 28, the FAA outlined plans that, if approved, would require airlines to inspect specific RAT fittings on affected aircraft. The directive applies to just nine Boeing 787 aircraft, including both 787-9 and 787-10 variants.
This proposed rule follows reports last year revealing that both Boeing and Airbus jets may have contained titanium sourced from unauthorized suppliers in China. The material was reportedly delivered via Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier of fuselage sections and components to both manufacturers. The use of such materials came amid global titanium shortages caused by Western sanctions against Russia—a leading global supplier of aerospace-grade titanium.
According to the FAA document, the proposed rule was “prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement indicating that ram air turbine forward fittings were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy.” Specifically, the suspect material is either Grade 1 or Grade 2 commercially pure titanium, which offers significantly less strength, fatigue resistance, and damage tolerance than the Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V alloy originally specified for these components.
The FAA did not disclose how the unapproved titanium made its way into production nor did it name the current supplier of the 787 RATs. However, Collins Aerospace—whose predecessor companies had previously manufactured RATs for the 787—is still believed to be a primary supplier. Collins has not commented publicly on the matter. In 2024, the company recorded a $175 million charge related to switching titanium suppliers.
According to the FAA, the compromised RAT fittings pose a serious safety risk. If a fitting fails during deployment, the ram air turbine could malfunction, potentially depriving the aircraft of essential backup electrical and hydraulic power during an emergency. There’s also the risk that the RAT could detach and fall from the aircraft.
In response to the issue, Boeing issued an Alert Requirements Bulletin in February 2025, advising operators to inspect the RAT fittings. The inspections can be performed using either high-frequency eddy current testing or X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to verify the material composition.
If finalized, the FAA’s proposed airworthiness directive will mandate that all affected operators carry out these inspections to confirm compliance and ensure aircraft safety.
The situation adds to ongoing scrutiny of supply chain integrity across the aerospace industry, as manufacturers face challenges in maintaining quality standards amid complex global sourcing dynamics. The FAA’s proposed rule highlights the importance of material traceability and rigorous testing, especially in mission-critical components like ram air turbines.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Boeing+787, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flightglobal.com