On the same day that one of its new 787 Dreamliners made an emergency landing because of a mechanical problem, Boeing said that US regulators would require the entire fleet of 787 jets to be inspected for a possible fuel line problem.
The twin mechanical issues, while not necessarily uncommon, were yet another headache for Boeing, a company still working to overcome the negative perception of production problems that delayed delivery of the 787 by three and a half years.
The company said the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring inspections of all 787s in service to confirm that fuel line connectors have been properly installed.
The FAA requirement, due to be issued today in an airworthiness directive, "makes mandatory inspections already recommended by Boeing", the company said in a statement.
FAA officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Boeing said improperly installed fuel line connectors could lead to fuel leaks, loss of engine power or fire. But at the same time, it said there were "multiple layers of systems to ensure none of those things happen".
Boeing advised airlines flying the 787 to make inspections last month, and it said about half of the 33 jets in service have already been inspected.
The biggest 787 customers so far are Japan's All Nippon Airways, which was the launch customer and has 16 of the jets. Japan Airlines has four and Air India has three.
SOURCE
After the massive delay in delivery, further mechanical problems isn't what Beoing is looking for. Issues with fuel line connection post a great risk to safety. Fire on the aircraft is the worst things that can happen since there's no where you can run to. Hope this is only a small problem and Boeing is able to get it rectified soon.
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