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Air India 787 Fuel Switch Issue: Component Sent to Boeing for Inspection

Air India will replace a fuel control switch module on one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft after a pilot reported a potential defect, leading to the aircraft's grounding. The component, which has used less than 20% of its certified life, will be sent to the original equipment manufacturer for detailed inspection. The airline has informed India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, about the development. Air India stated that previous fleet-wide checks of these switches found no issues and emphasized that passenger and crew safety is its top priority.

Key Points: Air India Boeing 787 Fuel Control Module to be Replaced

  • Component replacement planned
  • Module logged only 3,440 flight hours
  • Aircraft grounded after pilot report
  • DGCA regulator informed
  • Fleet-wide checks completed earlier
2 min read

Air India Boeing 787 to undergo fuel control module replacement; component sent to OEM: Sources

Air India grounds a 787 Dreamliner after a pilot reports a potential defect. The fuel control switch module, with low hours, is being sent to the OEM.

"We are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis. - Air India Spokesperson"

New Delhi, February 3

Air India will replace a specific component on one of its Boeing 787 aircraft after an issue was identified with the part, sources said on Tuesday.

According to a source-based information, the affected Fuel Control Switch module will be sent to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for detailed inspection and further checks. The component is not currently installed on the aircraft and will be changed as part of the standard corrective process, the sources added.

Sources further stated that the total certified life of the component is 20,000 flight hours. However, the module in question has logged only 3,440 hours so far, accounting for less than 20 per cent of its total life.

The development follows the grounding of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Monday after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch.

An Air India spokesperson said that one of its pilots had reported a potential issue with the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft and that the matter has been communicated to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator.

The spokesperson said the airline is engaging the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to prioritise addressing the pilot's concerns.

"We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis. The matter has been communicated to the aviation regulator, DGCA. Air India had checked the fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after a directive from the DGCA, and had found no issues. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority," the spokesperson said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The component had only done 3440 hours out of 20000? That's quite early for a potential issue. Makes you wonder about the manufacturing quality control from the OEM's side. Hope DGCA does a thorough investigation.
A
Aman W
Respect to the pilot for being vigilant. This is reassuring for passengers. Air India's response seems prompt, but the real test is consistent maintenance. The Tata group has a big task ahead to rebuild complete trust.
S
Sarah B
I flew Air India's 787 last month to London. It's a beautiful plane and the flight was smooth. Glad they are checking the entire fleet after this. Transparency in these matters is key for customer confidence.
V
Vikram M
While the response is good, a small criticism: the article is based on "sources". Would prefer an official statement first. However, the fact that DGCA was informed and the fleet was checked is a positive step.
K
Karthik V
Boeing has had its share of issues globally. Hope this is an isolated incident and not a batch problem. DGCA should ensure the OEM provides a clear root cause analysis. Safety cannot be compromised, full stop.

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