Why is Air India re-inspecting its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fuel control switches?

Air India is conducting a precautionary re-inspection of fuel control switches on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet after a pilot reported a potential defect on one aircraft.

Has Air India grounded any of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft?

No, Air India has not grounded any of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Flights are continuing to operate normally, although the specific aircraft with the reported defect is grounded.

What was the reported defect on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fuel control switch?

A pilot reported that the fuel control switch on the aircraft could slip from the 'RUN' position to 'CUTOFF' when pushed slightly and did not lock in place.

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Air India Re-inspects Boeing Dreamliners After Pilot Report

3 Feb

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Summary

Air India initiated fleet-wide re-inspection of fuel switches on Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
A pilot reported a fuel control switch defect on aircraft VT-ANX.
No Dreamliners have been grounded, and flights continue normally.

Air India Re-inspects Boeing Dreamliners After Pilot Report

Air India has launched a precautionary re-inspection of fuel control switches across its entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. This action follows a report from a pilot on flight AI132 of a potential defect in the switch on aircraft VT-ANX, which was subsequently grounded.

The pilot noted that the fuel control switch could slip from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' without locking. The airline has communicated this issue to the DGCA and is working with Boeing, the original equipment manufacturer, to resolve the concern. Boeing will conduct a detailed inspection of the affected switch module.

While this incident has drawn comparisons to the AI171 crash, investigators are still examining that case. Air India emphasized that safety is its top priority and that the current inspection is a component-specific measure, not indicative of a fleet-wide design flaw. No adverse findings have been reported from re-inspections completed so far.