Boeing Possibly Used Wrong Metal in Airplane Seats Again
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes are super safe by checking if some seat parts were made with the wrong metal. Airlines will need to inspect these seat track fittings and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until March 3, 2025, and while inspections might cost some money, they’ll keep passengers safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Prevents seat fitting failures
If you fly on Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, or 787-10 airplanes, the FAA would require inspections to check if certain seat track splice fittings were made from the wrong titanium (Grade 1 or 2 instead of Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V). The required inspection methods and any needed replacements follow Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530086-00 RB, Issue 001, dated October 18, 2024, to reduce the risk of fitting failure that could cause serious injury and interfere with emergency egress.
Inspection and replacement costs for operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 37 U.S.-registered airplanes. The inspection is estimated at 16 work-hours × $85/hour = $1,360 per airplane (total estimated cost on U.S. operators $50,320), and on-condition replacements are estimated up to 20 work-hours ($1,700) plus parts up to $4,140 = up to $5,840 per location, with up to 20 locations per airplane.
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