F.A.A. Investigating How Counterfeit Titanium Got Into Boeing and Airbus Jets
What specific components in the Boeing and Airbus jets are made from the titanium in question?
The specific components in the Boeing and Airbus jets that are made from the titanium in question include the passenger entry door, cargo doors, and a component that connects the engines to the plane's airframe for the 787 Dreamliner. For the 737 Max and the A220, the affected parts include a heat shield that protects a component which connects a jet's engine to the frame from extreme heat.
What are the potential short- and long-term safety implications for planes using the questionable titanium parts as identified by the F.A.A.?
The F.A.A. is investigating the potential short- and long-term safety implications for planes using the questionable titanium parts. The falsified documents for the titanium components raise concerns about the structural integrity of the affected airliners. The investigation began after a parts supplier found small holes in the material from corrosion3. While it is unclear how many planes have parts made with the questionable material, the F.A.A. aims to determine the scope of the problem and assess the safety risks associated with these parts.
What measures are being implemented by Airbus in response to this issue?
Airbus is taking several measures in response to the issue of falsified documentation for titanium components used in recently manufactured Boeing and Airbus jets. The company is working closely with Spirit AeroSystems, which supplies fuselages for Boeing and wings for Airbus, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in investigating the scope of the problem and its potential impact on the structural integrity of the affected airliners.
The FAA is actively investigating the issue and is working to determine the short- and long-term safety implications for planes that were made using the parts in question. Boeing has reported a voluntary disclosure to the FAA regarding the procurement of material through a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records. In response, Boeing has issued a bulletin outlining ways suppliers should remain alert to the potential of falsified records.
As the investigation is still ongoing, it is currently unclear how many planes have parts made with the questionable material. The FAA and the involved companies are expected to take appropriate corrective actions once the investigation is complete and the extent of the issue has been determined.