WASHINGTON- The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an updated directive related to a crack issue affecting all Boeing 777 model airplanes. The new directive was announced through an online notice on Tuesday.
FAA issued this updated airworthiness directive due to a reported crack discovered in a front spar lower chord. The original directive also introduced a new safety concern related to certain fastener cap seals.
FAA AD on Boeing 777
Although Boeing first reported errors in late 2022, comprehensive documentation of these errors was not received until late July 2023 due to the complexity of the requirements bulletin.
The FAA acknowledged that Boeing plans to revise the bulletin, but because of the extended timeline, the FAA issued the new directive to ensure public safety.
A spokesperson from Boeing expressed full support for the FAA’s rule, emphasizing alignment with the guidance previously shared with operators.
737 MAX Problem
A new quality problem related to the Boeing 737 MAX involving its supplier Spirit AeroSystems has come to light. The problem concerns incorrectly drilled holes on the aft pressure bulkhead, as disclosed by the aircraft manufacturer on Wednesday.
As a result of this defect, Boeing has been compelled to postpone deliveries in the near term. The company is also assessing the potential impact this issue might have on achieving its annual target of delivering a minimum of 400 737s for the year.
A fresh complication in the supply chain has arisen, becoming the latest hurdle in the delivery process of the revenue-generating MAX series, following Boeing’s revelation in April about improper bracket installation by Spirit that linked the aft fuselage to the vertical tail.
Boeing has confirmed that this recent issue will result in the postponement of the initial MAX 8 delivery to Malaysia Airlines (MH), which had originally been scheduled for August 28.
Spirit AeroSystems clarified that not all 737 fuselages will be affected by the new issue of “elongated” holes in the aft pressure bulkhead, as they source this component from multiple suppliers. They have expressed their belief that the issue will not significantly affect their delivery projections for the year.
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