The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into Boeing’s quality oversight after it was discovered that some of the 787 “Dreamliner” long-haul jets were not properly checked during the construction process. This led to falsified test reports by Boeing employees, which prompted further investigation.
Boeing has admitted that some checks on the connection between the fuselage and wings were omitted but were still recorded as completed. However, the company maintains that this does not pose an urgent safety issue for the current airline fleet, and no aircraft need to be grounded.
The FAA is now working to determine if necessary inspections were carried out and to look into the allegations of forgery. Boeing is currently checking all 787s on the production lines and developing a plan for machines already in operation. An employee at Boeing’s plant in South Carolina noticed the audit violation and informed management, prompting further investigation.
Recent discussions in the US Senate have highlighted concerns about the 787 program, with whistleblowers pointing out potential issues with the aircraft’s construction. Allegations of gaps between fuselage parts that could shorten the service life of the planes have been raised. Boeing has denied these claims and is working to address any concerns raised about the safety and quality of its aircraft.
The recent incident where a fragment of a fuselage broke off a new Boeing 737-9 Max during a flight has also led to increased demands for improved quality controls and production standards. The FAA has also blocked Boeing’s planned production expansion of the 737 Max until further notice, adding to its ongoing scrutiny.
In summary, Boeing’s quality oversight has come under scrutiny following multiple incidents involving its aircraft, leading to increased demands for improved quality controls and production standards. The FAA is currently investigating allegations of forgery related to falsified test reports during the construction process of some 787 “Dreamliner” jets, while also blocking expansion plans for certain models due to safety concerns.
