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Boeing.jpg
The FAA ordered Boeing's entire fleet of 787 jets to be inspected for a possible fuel line problem. (AP file photo)

FAA finds fuel leaks and factory flaws on some new Boeing 787s

December 4, 2012 @ 9:36 pm (Updated: 5:44 am - 12/5/12 )

After receiving reports of fuel leaks on two Boeing Dreamliners that were in service, the FAA is ordering airlines to inspect all 787s for a fuel line problem that happened in the factory.

An FAA directive issued late Tuesday says they've discovered "several improperly assembled engine fuel feed manifold couplings."

That's included couplings with missing or improperly installed lockwire, parts within the couplings installed in the wrong locations, incorrect parts installed in the couplings, and couplings that have extra parts installed.

The FAA says the problems, if not corrected, could result in fuel leaks and eventually loss of engine power, or "leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire."

A United 787 made an emergency in New Orleans on Tuesday because of a mechanical issue on a 13-day-old Dreamliner.

The flight, from Houston to Newark, New Jersey, landed safely without incident.

The new FAA headache for Boeing comes as the company resumed talks with SPEEA, the union for engineers and technical workers.

Union leaders described the meeting as "frustrating and often confrontational session."

They say Boeing negotiators rejected SPEEA proposals limiting the use of mandatory overtime and adding provisions for maternity and paternity leave.

By LINDA THOMAS

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Comments (7)


  • Add A Comment

  • BikeNazi wrote...
    Union built.
    December 4, 2012 9:13 pm
    The lockwire would have been twisted correctly except that wasn't part of the CBA. The SC plant will do it right.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • fartforce1 wrote...
    737,747, 767, 777 Union designed and made. No problems.
    December 5, 2012 2:57 am
    787 Design outsourced, materials outsourced, parts outsourced and just some planes put together by union mechanics - nothing but problems. Congratulations IAM + SPEA - point proven!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Dizzle wrote...
    fartforce1
    December 5, 2012 12:15 pm
    And you forgot, delivered 3 years late! 80 years of sterling commercial aircraft building--gone with the Dreamliner.

    Despite this story, the media is still in denial about what a hodge-podge piece of $chiat this airplane is.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ron_Spins wrote...
    India
    December 4, 2012 10:13 pm
    http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Dreamliner-glitch-AI-summons-Boeing-team/Article1-964169.aspx
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Alex Mason wrote...
    Give the union dockmonkeys more money.
    December 5, 2012 8:24 am
    "discovery of several improperly assembled engine fuel feed manifold couplings on in-service and production airplanes" Yeah, that's a union made piece of work there.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • fartforce1 wrote...
    Dear Idiot.
    December 5, 2012 9:55 am
    O-rings are better installed by non union emplyees? Have any idea if this plane was buyildt here or was it SC?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }