Upon receiving notification from Boeing regarding the failure of some company employees to complete specific inspections on certain 787 Dreamliners, it was revealed that the inspections are crucial for verifying the adequate bonding and grounding of the fasteners that connect the wings to the fuselage. These tests are essential to ensure that the aircraft is properly grounded to withstand electrical currents such as those from a lightning strike.
According to a source familiar with the situation, approximately 450 aircraft may be affected, with around 60 of them still in Boeing's production system.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that the planes still under Boeing's possession are undergoing re-inspections. A source with knowledge of the matter mentioned that Boeing engineers have assessed the situation and determined that there is no immediate safety concern, as the 787 Dreamliner was built with multiple redundancies to safeguard against incidents like a lightning strike.
"In an effort to uphold the safety of air travelers, the FAA is committed to taking all necessary measures," a statement from an FAA representative informed CBS News.
Employees at Boeing were made aware of the issue through an email sent by Scott Stocker, the vice president and general manager of the 787 program, on the previous Monday. According to the email, which was obtained by CBS News, Boeing's engineering team has determined that this misconduct did not pose an immediate safety threat to flights.
Stocker emphasized to employees that Boeing maintains a "zero tolerance" policy for deviating from established procedures meant to ensure quality and safety. The company is currently implementing swift and serious corrective actions involving multiple team members.
This communication follows closely on the heels of a recent testimony by a Boeing quality engineer before a Senate sub-committee. The engineer expressed concerns about the manufacturing process of the 787 Dreamliner, concerns that he claims were disregarded by company management.
Reports suggest that there may be a potential issue with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, with a possible population of affected aircraft in the hundreds. Boeing has not provided specific numbers but is currently gathering information on the situation, indicating a long-standing concern.
The FAA has not confirmed any safety issues with the 787 or identified any production deficiencies at this time. However, they have not ruled out the possibility of a safety concern with the Dreamliners currently in operation.
