6/25/2010
NEWS BRIEFS
Fastener Joints Ground Flight-Test 787s
Boeing decided to inspect its five flight-test 787 jets before they fly again because of a problem with the shims in the fastener joints of the tail portion.
The Seattle Times reports that the problem is in the horizontal stabilizer, the smaller wing on the plane’s tail.
Engineers are taking a couple of days to inspect all 23 of the jets built so far.
If a fix is needed, Boeing says it may take as long as eight days per plane.
The problem is “regrettable but under control,” Boeing spokeswoman Yvonne Leach told the Times.
“Shims were improperly installed in a manner that could lead to lower-than-expected longevity for a joint within the horizontal stabilizer,” Leach said.
Boeing said in a statement that it had identified a “workmanship issue with the 787’s horizontal stabilizers,” adding some of the planes “have issues with improperly installed shims and the torque of associated fasteners.”
The problem isn’t expected to delay the schedule for completing flight testing or the first delivery of the plane.
Workers at Boeing’s assembly plant reportedly discovered the problem, which involves small pieces of material called shims used to fill small gaps during assembly.
In April, Boeing halted 787 parts delivery for 24 manufacturing days, saying some manufacturers were having trouble getting components while others needed time to finish engineering and design changes. ©2010 GlobalFastenerNews.com
Related Links:
Share: