FAA Proposes Directive for Boeing 787 Dreamliner After Manufacturing Oversight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new directive requiring maintenance record checks or inspections of certain Boeing 787 Dreamliner models after a missed test on a critical part of the main landing gear was reported. This proposed airworthiness directive would apply to all 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models, affecting approximately 156 U.S.-registered aircraft.

The directive stems from a lapse in the manufacturing process, where Boeing reported that an inspection designed to detect cracks or defects in a landing gear part was not performed. The FAA’s regulatory filing highlighted that this oversight was due to human error and was traced back to a single technician. The potential consequence of undetected cracks could be severe, leading to the fracture of the part and possibly causing the landing gear to collapse—a condition the FAA described as “unsafe.”

Boeing Under Scrutiny

This issue adds to the increased scrutiny Boeing has been under following a series of manufacturing and quality control lapses. Earlier this year, a mid-air blowout on a Boeing 737 Max jet exposed significant problems within the company’s production processes. Since then, Boeing has implemented measures to address these issues, including encouraging employees to report any problems they encounter on the shop floor.

Broader Implications

The FAA’s proposed directive also comes on the heels of another investigation involving the Boeing 787. In May, Boeing alerted authorities to potentially missed inspections that are crucial for ensuring proper bonding and grounding where the wings attach to the aircraft body.

Moving Forward

As Boeing continues to grapple with these quality control challenges, the FAA’s proposed directive represents a critical step in ensuring the safety of the 787 Dreamliner fleet. The directive would require immediate action to address the potential risks associated with the missed inspection, reinforcing the need for stringent oversight and adherence to safety protocols.

Boeing has yet to comment on the proposed directive, but the company’s ongoing efforts to improve its manufacturing processes will be closely monitored by regulators and the aviation industry as a whole. The proposed checks and inspections are a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in aircraft production to ensure passenger safety and uphold the integrity of the industry.