The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed mandatory inspections for horizontal stabilizer hardware on Boeing 787 aircraft. The decision follows concerns about potential assembly errors during manufacturing that could impact the aircraft’s safety and performance.
The FAA issued the notice on November 21, 2024, citing reports of possible “misalignment at final assembly” of critical components within the horizontal stabilizer hardware. The components in question include the pivot pin lock ring, outer pivot pin, and outboard spacer.
“One operator further reported a left-side pivot assembly that did not have a visible gap between the outboard nut and trap fitting,” the FAA stated in the notice. The regulator added that “a misaligned pivot pin lock ring caused a pivot pin outboard spacer to not be set flush against the horizontal stabilizer pivot bearing and outboard washer.”
The agency warned that such misalignments could reduce the lateral load capacity, leading to the potential loss of pivot pin retention parts. This failure, in extreme cases, could result in the loss of the horizontal stabilizer.
Proposed Inspections for All Boeing 787 Models
The proposed directive would require horizontal stabilizer inspections for 145 Boeing 787 aircraft registered in the United States, covering all three subtypes: the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10. The inspections would involve examining the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies on both sides of the aircraft for misalignment and incorrect gapping. If discrepancies are found, operators would need to replace the affected components.
The proposal aligns with recommendations Boeing issued in an “Alert Requirements Bulletin” released in August 2024. The company has already advised operators to inspect the hardware, although Boeing did not respond to requests for comment on the FAA’s recent announcement.
Quality Challenges for Boeing
The FAA’s proposed action comes as Boeing continues efforts to address various manufacturing and safety issues that have surfaced in recent years. These challenges have prompted increased scrutiny from regulators and airlines, emphasizing the importance of rigorous quality control measures.
The FAA plans to finalize its directive following a 45-day public comment period. Once implemented, operators will be required to adhere to the inspections and corrective actions outlined in Boeing’s earlier notice.
Source: FlightGlobal
