Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Undergo Enhanced Safety Inspections

Strategic Insights -

Following the tragic crash of Air India flight 171, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a directive for enhanced safety inspections on Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners powered by General Electric GEnx engines. The inspections are aimed at ensuring the aircraft are safe for operation, particularly in light of concerns over pilot fatigue and stress. The additional checks will include fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressor inspection, and electronic engine control-system test among others. Air India will be required to submit reports of these checks to the DGCA for review.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DGCA has directed Air India to carry out additional maintenance actions on B787-8/9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines with immediate effect.
  • The additional checks will include inspection of fuel parameter monitoring and associated system checks, inspection of cabin air compressor and associated systems, and electronic engine control-system test.
  • The inspections are aimed at ensuring the aircraft are safe for operation, particularly in light of concerns over pilot fatigue and stress.
  • The DGCA has asked Air India to submit reports of these checks to the aviation watchdog for review.
  • Of the additional checks ordered, three points - electronic engine controlsystem test, engine fuel-driven actuator operational test and oil system check, and review of take-off parameters - are among the factors being seen as possible contributory factors to the crash.
  • Air India has a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners that have faced issues in the past, including windshield cracks soon after they were inducted into the fleet.
  • The DGCA has been criticized for giving Air India dispensation on flight duty limitations, which has led to pilots working longer hours than usual.

Statistics:

  • The DGCA has ordered the additional checks to be carried out before the flight from India from June 15, 2025 (12:00 am) onwards.
  • The inspections will focus on the fuel system, cabin air compressor, and electronic engine control-system test.
  • The airline will be required to submit reports of these checks to the DGCA for review within two weeks.
  • The Boeing 787 Dreamliners are equipped with GEnx engines and have faced issues in the past, including windshield cracks.
  • The DGCA has asked Air India to review the repetitive snags during the last 15 days on B787-8/9 aircraft and take corrective action.

Sources:

  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation directive dated June 14, 2022.
  • Sources close to the investigation into Air India flight 171.
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner safety issues.
  • Air India fleet and maintenance records.
  • Aviation industry standards and regulations.