FAA Orders Inspections of 94 Boeing 787s Over Manufacturing Concerns
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners due to potential manufacturing problems. The issue revolves around structural shim gaps that exceed engineering limits, which could lead to fatigue cracking around fastener holes on affected aircraft.
The FAA directive affects 94 Boeing 787s, including 17 operating in the US and 77 worldwide. This is part of ongoing efforts by Boeing to address quality concerns across its commercial airplanes division.
The problem lies in shims that fill small spaces between structural components, ensuring loads transfer safely and evenly across the airframe. Excessive gaps can lead to fatigue cracking over time, particularly where components don't fit as intended.