FAA approves Boeing 787 Dreamliner battery fix plan
Mar 12, 2013, 1:38 PM | Updated: 2:22 pm
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Boeing's proposed plan to redesign the battery system for the 787 Dreamliner and begin testing the fix.
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Boeing’s proposed plan to redesign the battery system for the 787 Dreamliner and begin testing the fix.
“This comprehensive series of tests will show us whether the proposed battery improvements will work as designed,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement. “We won’t allow the plane to return to service unless we’re satisfied that the new design ensures the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.”
The proposed fixes include a redesign of internal components, better insulation and a new containment and venting system to prevent the overheating and meltdowns that caused two January incidents with the lithium-ion batteries including a fire aboard a Japanese Airlines 787 in Boston.
“We are confident the plan we approved today includes all the right elements to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the battery system redesign,” said FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta.
Boeing will have to pass a series of tests before the 787 can return to passenger service. The FAA has approved two jets for limited test flights.
The series of tests will show how the improved battery system will perform in both normal and abnormal conditions.
“We have a great deal of confidence in our solution set and the process for certifying it,” said Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Before 787s return to commercial service, our customers and their passengers want assurance that the improvements being introduced will make this great airplane even better. That’s what this test program will do.”
“We are confident the plan we approved today includes all the right elements to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the battery system redesign,” said FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta. “Today’s announcement starts a testing process which will demonstrate whether the proposed fix will work as designed.”
A Boeing spokesman would not confirm when flight tests will begin, other to say “in the days ahead.”
