FAA To Review 787 Electrical System

Boeing has sourced multiple problems with its 787 Dreamliner to faulty circuit boards and Friday the FAA announced it is launching a review of the jet’s electrical systems, including the outsourced manufacture and installation of components. Aside from incorporating new technologies, production of the 787 involves a much more outsourced process than its other jets. Boeing not only had outside companies produce parts, but those companies also played a role in the design of parts and systems. Boeing says that three of four incidents suffered by 787 aircraft have been traced to one batch of circuit boards produced by a subcontractor in Mexico. Boeing will now be working with the FAA on a review of the 787’s entire electrical system. The FAA’s announcement follows on the heels of highly publicized recent incidents involving the jet.

Boeing has sourced multiple problems with its 787 Dreamliner to faulty circuit boards and Friday the FAA announced it is launching a review of the jet's electrical systems, including the outsourced manufacture and installation of components. Aside from incorporating new technologies, production of the 787 involves a much more outsourced process than its other jets. Boeing not only had outside companies produce parts, but those companies also played a role in the design of parts and systems. Boeing says that three of four incidents suffered by 787 aircraft have been traced to one batch of circuit boards produced by a subcontractor in Mexico. Boeing will now be working with the FAA on a review of the 787's entire electrical system. The FAA's announcement follows on the heels of highly publicized recent incidents involving the jet.

Most recently, on Jan. 7, a Japan Airlines 787 caught fire after landing at Boston's Logan International Airport. The fire involved lithium-ion battery cells associated with an onboard auxiliary power unit. On Dec. 14, United grounded one of their Dreamliners following a problem with an electrical panel. Boeing identified faulty circuit boards were susceptible to electrical arcing. On Dec. 9, a Qatar Airways 787 also reported an electrical problem. On Dec. 4, a United 787 diverted after an apparent electrical malfunction. Boeing said that foreign debris found in a power distribution panel caused a Nov. 9, 2010, fire on a 787 test aircraft. After that incident, it halted testing until the panel was redesigned.