Boeing tries to get FAA approval for paint-peeling fix

Boeing blames ultraviolet radiation exposure for causing the paint to peel on some of the wings and horizontal stabilizers of its 787 Dreamliner jets.

According to Reuters, the company announced the problem to the Federal Aviation Administration and asked them to approve a Boeing plan to address the situation.

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Prior to the Monday announcement, Boeing had directed mechanics to cover the peeling paint with a specialized tape called “speed tape” over affected areas, but the tape troubled some passengers, who posted photos of the wings online.

Now Boeing is asking the FAA to approve a layer of ultraviolet-blocking black topcoat between different layers of paint.

“Even though the use of speed tape has no effect on the safety of the airplane, the public could perceive an unsafe condition when seeing tape on the wing surfaces,” Boeing told the FAA in a regulatory filing made public on Monday.

Boeing has also asked for other design changes to be approved, including cap seals over the nuts of certain 787 wing skin fasteners.

The FAA is reviewing the petition submitted by Boeing.

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