Air India Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Inspection Finds No Issues
Air India has concluded its comprehensive inspection of the fuel control switches on its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, reporting that no issues were found. This precautionary check was initiated following heightened scrutiny on these switches after a recent fatal accident involving one of its jets. The thorough examination aimed to ensure the continued operational safety and reliability of the Dreamliner fleet, providing reassurance amidst ongoing investigations into the specific incident. The airline’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in aviation.
The inspection focused specifically on the locking mechanism of the fuel control switches, components crucial for regulating fuel flow to aircraft engines. These switches came under intense scrutiny after a preliminary probe by the accident investigation body indicated that they had unexpectedly transitioned from the ‘run’ to the ‘cutoff’ position shortly after takeoff in a recent crash that tragically killed 260 people. The investigation report highlighted that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a one-second interval, leading to immediate loss of altitude. While the preliminary report did not suggest any recommended actions for operators, the aviation regulator had directed airlines to conduct these inspections on their Boeing 787 and 737 fleets.
In response to the regulatory directive and the preliminary findings, the national carrier’s engineering team initiated precautionary inspections across all its Boeing 787 aircraft over the past weekend. An internal communication confirmed the completion of these checks, verifying that the locking mechanisms of the fuel control switches are fully functional across the fleet. Additionally, all the national carrier’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft have undergone Throttle Control Module (TCM) replacements as per Boeing’s maintenance schedule, with the fuel control switch being an integral part of this module. The airline has also instructed its pilots to maintain vigilance and promptly report any technical defects in their logbooks, reinforcing existing safety protocols and ensuring continuous operational integrity in line with international aviation standards.
The national carrier’s finding of no issues in its Boeing 787 fuel control switches is a critical development for aviation safety. This swift, thorough inspection reinforces trust in the fleet and aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain robust operational integrity, ensuring continued passenger confidence in air travel amidst a strong focus on stringent safety protocols and continuous monitoring.
