The FAA on April 9 proposed an airworthiness directive for inspections of all models of Boeing’s 777 jetliner. The directive is based on the agency’s discovery of five 777s of various models with missing rivet heads used to join the aircraft’s skin. This directive is the second to affect the 777 in less than two months. The previous one was issued following the explosion of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 4000 engine in February.
Boeing’s 777 Back in the News Over Maintenance Issue
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive for all Boeing 777 models, requiring inspections due to the discovery of missing rivet heads on the aircraft's skin.
- The issue, found on five 777s, is attributed to inadequate 7050 aluminum solid rivets unable to withstand complex tension loading, leading to premature fatigue cracking.
- Unaddressed, this condition could lead to severe consequences, including decompression, pressure loss, loss of hydraulic systems (brakes/steering), potential runway departure, and compromised structural integrity.
- The directive could affect nearly 225 aircraft, with estimated repair costs of $33,000 per plane.
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