In a recent turn of events, Boeing has come under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) microscope once again. This April, Boeing disclosed to the FAA an oversight in their inspection processes during the assembly of some 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Specifically, there were gaps in inspections that should ensure proper bonding and grounding where the wings meet the fuselage. Promptly responding, the FAA has initiated an investigation to determine if these inspections were skipped and if there were any falsifications in the aircraft records by Boeing employees.
The issue came to light thanks to a vigilant whistleblower at Boeing’s South Carolina facility, who flagged what seemed to be discrepancies during a routine conformance test in wing body join. Scott Stoker, the Vice President of the 787 program, acknowledged in a company memo that these lapses in protocol had occurred but reassured staff and the public that these did not pose an immediate safety threat. Boeing is currently re-examining all 787 airplanes still in production and must devise a strategy to manage the already delivered fleet.
Actions and Implications
In response to the whistleblower’s alert, Boeing has begun taking decisive actions against several team members for not performing essential tests yet marking them as complete. This proactive stance reflects Boeing’s commitment to integrity and regulatory compliance, especially in the wake of a related incident. Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines 787 MAX 9 experienced a door blowout due to missing bolts, an issue that surfaced shortly after takeoff and was highlighted in the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report.
In light of these findings, both Boeing and its partner, Spirit AeroSystems, underwent a six-week FAA audit that uncovered several quality control lapses in manufacturing. The scrutiny extends beyond the Dreamliner, as whistleblower Sam Salehpour has raised concerns about the production processes of both the 777 and 787 jets, suggesting potential risks to the aircrafts’ longevity and safety.
These developments have necessitated a slowdown in Boeing’s aircraft production, leading to significant adjustments in delivery schedules. Airlines worldwide are recalibrating their operational strategies to align with the revised timelines, anticipating delays that could impact their service expansion plans.
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