The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new investigation into Boeing, specifically focusing on the 787 Dreamliner series. This inquiry stems from concerns that Boeing employees might have bypassed crucial quality inspections during the manufacturing process.

Details of the Investigation The investigation by the FAA is centered on the Boeing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, where 787 Dreamliners are assembled. The main concern is whether necessary inspections, particularly where the wings join the fuselage, were actually performed. There is also an alarming possibility that employees could have falsified aircraft records to show these inspections as completed when they were not.

Boeing’s Response Boeing has acknowledged the oversight and informed the FAA voluntarily in April about the potential lapse in required inspections. According to an internal memo from Scott Stocker, the executive overseeing the 787 program, this issue was brought to light by an employee’s report of misconduct. However, Stocker emphasized that this is not an immediate safety threat but a serious deviation from company policies.

Corrective Measures and Employee Actions Following the discovery, Boeing has taken prompt actions to address the issue. The company plans to inspect all undelivered Dreamliners and devise a strategy for the aircraft already in service. Moreover, Boeing is implementing strict corrective measures against several employees involved and has praised the whistleblower for their courage in reporting these discrepancies.

Broader Quality Concerns This incident adds to a series of quality control issues Boeing has faced with the Dreamliner model. In April, another Boeing engineer publicly accused the company of cutting corners in the manufacturing process that could leave small gaps in the fuselage improperly filled.

Conclusion The FAA’s ongoing investigation into the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s inspection practices highlights significant challenges in maintaining quality and safety standards in aircraft manufacturing. As the investigation continues, Boeing has committed to enforcing stringent quality controls and ensuring compliance with all required testing and inspection protocols.