The US Federal Aviation Administration said: “Boeing has identified a design flaw in the new 737 MAX that, although unlikely, could theoretically disable the aircraft's engine anti-icing system. We will demand that it be amended.” seattle times:
Another flaw in the MAX's engine anti-icing system design drew intense scrutiny in January, forcing the company to withdraw its application for exemption from key safety regulations. And now the MAX isn't the only car with engine anti-icing system issues. Airlines said another problem with a similar system on Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner caused what the FAA said was “relatively minor” damage to the engine intakes of about 20 wide-body planes in service. reported.
Although the FAA does not believe either problem poses an immediate risk to flight safety, it issued two proposed airworthiness directives in February that would require modifications to the MAX's engine anti-icing system and establish procedures for its inspection and repair. A separate notice was issued regarding the same. The 787's systems are pending a redesign that would provide a permanent fix… If there is an immediate safety risk, the FAA will issue more urgent emergency directives that must be acted upon before further flights. will be issued. The jet will be grounded until the issue is resolved. This is not the case for these two proposed airworthiness directives. Indicating that the risks are considered minor, both proposed directives he plans to invite public comment until April. Only then will action be mandatory…
A proposed FAA directive for the MAX would require Boeing to review the internal design of the unit that provides backup power to aircraft systems in the event of a failure of the main electrical system to eliminate potential single points of failure. It is stated that it has been identified. If such a failure occurs, the anti-icing system on both engines may be lost and there will be no display or warning to alert the pilot, the FAA directive states… November 2022 , Boeing sent out a service bulletin warning airlines, explaining: Necessary modifications required by the FAA in the future…
Unlike the current MAX issue, the flaw discovered in the 787 Dreamliner actually caused damage to the jet's engines. The FAA's airworthiness directive for the 787 states: “During overhaul, damage was discovered to multiple inlets around the engine anti-icing duct in the aft entry compartment.” Rather than a manufacturing issue, the seal wasn't durable enough. Even when the plane was flying in dry air and the anti-icing system was not turned on, the deterioration of the seal allowed hot air to leak into the intake compartment, “exposing the intake components to high temperatures,” the FAA said. . Boeing said this “caused heat damage and discoloration to limited areas of the composite and metal structure surrounding the interior of the air intake.” The FAA's draft airworthiness directive warns that thermal damage to the inlet structure could lead to “reduced structural strength.” Departure of airplane entrance. ”
“Inlet disengagement” is a bland way to describe the front of the pod around the engine fan coming loose and potentially impacting the jet's wing, tail, or fuselage. Such a collapse could cause “loss of subsequent safe flight and landing continuity, or injury to the crew,” the Airworthiness Directive states…
“Another question is how a defective 787 anti-icing duct seal and a single point of failure in the MAX's backup power supply were able to bypass the FAA's original certification of these aircraft.”
Business Insider also reported that Boeing is “postponing its planned expansion of 737 Max production after an Alaska Airlines flight lost part of its aircraft during a flight in January.” Ta.