SEATTLE- Boeing halted flight tests of its 777X aircraft on August 19, 2024, after discovering damage to a critical component.
The issue affects a custom part located between the engine and the airplane structure, which is detected during routine maintenance.
Boeing 777X Halts Test Flight
The company grounded all four 777-9 airplanes in its test fleet as a precautionary measure. Boeing has initiated the replacement of the damaged part and is analyzing the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Boeing notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and customers about the situation. The 777X has 481 orders from various airlines worldwide.
The impact of this setback on the 777X’s certification and delivery timeline remains uncertain. Boeing had previously scheduled deliveries for 2025, already five years behind the original plan. The company began FAA flight tests in July 2023, marking a significant step in the aircraft’s development process.
FAA Orders 787 Inspections
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on August 19, 2024, mandatory inspections for Boeing 787 Dreamliners following a March incident involving a LATAM Airlines (LA) flight. The mid-air dive injured over 50 passengers.
Investigations revealed the captain’s seat moved unexpectedly, disconnecting the autopilot. The FAA reported five similar incidents on 787s, with two under ongoing investigation.
The directive affects 158 U.S.-registered and 737 worldwide 787 Dreamliners, including models 787-7, 787-9, and 787-10. Airlines must inspect captain and first officer seats within 30 days for missing or cracked rocker switch caps and cracked switch cover assemblies.
The FAA emphasized that uncommanded seat movement could cause rapid descent and serious injuries. Airlines must implement necessary corrective actions if they discover issues during inspections.
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