When Boeing's 777-9 enters service, it will be the world’s largest twin-engine airliner. [Courtesy Boeing]
Key Takeaways:
Boeing has grounded its entire 777X test fleet after routine maintenance revealed cracks in a critical thrust link component.
The faulty thrust links, which are heavy titanium components connecting the engine to the airframe, were discovered across all three test aircraft.
Boeing is investigating the issue and keeping the FAA informed, a discovery that could further impact the uncertified 777X's development and planned 2026 delivery schedule.
Boeing engineers are taking a closer look at the wings of the 777 after routine maintenance on the 777X—the aircraft used for test flying—found a faulty thrust link.
Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
