FAA Approves Boeing 787 Battery Tests

Stephen Pope

Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 09:06 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The FAA has approved Boeing's plan to test redesigned lithium-ion batteries for the 787 Dreamliner, aiming to address previous safety issues and allow the grounded fleet to return to service.
Boeing's modifications include internal battery component changes (like better cell insulation and ceramic spacers) and a new containment and venting system to prevent short-circuiting and overheating.
If testing is successful, final FAA approval could come by mid- to late April, with the 787s potentially resuming passenger flights in late April or early May after retrofitting.

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The FAA on Tuesday approved a plan to test changes to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s lithium-ion batteries in a bid to certify a new design and get the grounded airliners back in the air.

The Boeing plan includes changes to the internal battery components to minimize the possibility of short-circuiting, which can lead to overheating and fires. Among the changes are better insulation of the battery’s cells and the addition of a new containment and venting system, the FAA said in a statement.