Archive · 5 Aug 2025
FAA Flags Boeing 787 Aircraft Over Potential Defective Fittings
The FAA is worried about some Boeing 787 airplanes.
They found that a part called the RAT, which is a backup power source, might have been made with the wrong metal.
This metal could make the RAT break more easily in an emergency, like if the engines fail.
The RAT keeps important things working, like the controls and radios.
If the RAT doesn't work, the plane could have problems.
Boeing is working with the FAA to fix this.
FAA flagged safety concerns in Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft.
The issue involves potentially incorrect titanium alloy material in the ram air turbine (RAT) forward fittings.
Substandard titanium, possibly sourced from China, may reduce RAT strength and damage tolerance.
The RAT is a crucial emergency backup power source for essential aircraft systems.
Boeing supports the FAA's proposal to make guidance mandatory for affected customers.
- Who
- The FAA, Boeing, and Spirit AeroSystems are involved. The issue affects operators of Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 models.
- What
- The FAA flagged safety concerns about the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 due to the possible use of incorrect titanium alloy in the RAT.
- When
- The FAA issued a warning recently, with Boeing having issued guidance to customers in February 2025.
- Where
- The affected aircraft were assembled in North Charleston, South Carolina.
- Why
- To ensure the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) functions correctly during emergencies and to prevent potential loss of aircraft control.
Manufacturers
Regulators
Approach to safety
Manufacturers
Boeing issued guidance in February 2025 and supports the FAA proposal.
Regulators
The FAA's perspective is the proposal to make the guidance mandatory to correct the safety concern.
- Affected Aircraft Models
- Boeing 787-9 and 787-10
- Affected Part
- Ram Air Turbine (RAT) forward fittings
- Possible Material Issue
- Incorrect titanium alloy (Grade 1 or 2)
- Supplier
- Spirit AeroSystems
- FAA Action
- Issued an airworthiness directive (AD)
- RAT Function
- Emergency backup power source