Errors in forward pressure bulkhead assembly and installation could ‘adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane,' the agency said.
A Singapore 787-10 undergoing final assembly at Boeing South Carolina (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft requiring they be inspected for design issues.
The FAA stated in its AD filed Thursday that the directive was prompted by reports of erroneous assembly and installation of the aircraft’s forward pressure bulkheads, located in the nose of the fuselage.
“This proposed AD would require an internal and external detailed inspection (DET) of the forward pressure bulkhead (FPB) for any damage and performing applicable on-condition actions,” the AD stated. “The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.”
The AD stated that the FAA has received reports of excessive gaps and pull-up found in the FPB, “caused by insufficient clamp-up and nonconference to the manufacturing process requirements.”
The agency added that existing gaps were found between the Y-chords and attach angles common to fastener joints, which can trap foreign object debris between the parts.
“This condition, if not addressed, could result in undetected fatigue cracks that can grow to weaken the primary structure where it cannot sustain limit load, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane,” the AD continued.
The FAA estimated that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 135 U.S.-registered airplanes, costing operators $114,740. The agency added that some of this cost could be reduced if covered under warranty.
This proposed AD comes just months after the FAA ordered inspections on 787 aircraft in August following a LATAM flight’s sudden descent.
Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan hinted at a “different aircraft” amid ongoing delivery woes at Boeing. The airline is still awaiting…
With plans to reduce capacity later this year, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline will also retire several aircraft.…
The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition of CFM56-7B engines on several different…
