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Hi,
Having worked on some of the earliest models here in Melbourne, I was disappointed to read that the latest problems are the wings. Fortunately though the ailerons (which are built here in Melbourne) and connected to the wings, haven't caused any problems - so far. For those who don't know what the ailerons do, can do s by clicking on this link - http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airplanes4.htm
Boeing Co said on Friday that "hairline cracks" had been discovered in the wings of about 40 787 Dreamliners that are in production, marking another setback for the company's newest jet. The cracks have not been found on planes that are in use by airlines and therefore posed no safety risk, Boeing said, adding the problem also will not alter Boeing's plans to deliver 110 787s this year. However, Boeing said the cracks, which also occurred on the larger 787-9 model currently undergoing flight tests, could delay by a few weeks the date when airlines can take delivery of their new planes. The disclosure raised questions about repair costs and a possible minor increase in the weight of the plane, but did not seem to spell major trouble for Boeing, industry experts said. Wing-maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd notified Boeing in February of the problem, which arose after the Japanese company altered its manufacturing process.
Boeing, based in Chicago, said it immediately notified customers of potential delays. It said none of the jets potentially affected by the problem have been delivered. "We are confident that the condition does not exist in the in-service fleet" Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said. U.S. regulators did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether they planned to take action over Boeing's wing crack issue. These delays prompted analysts to tag the plane with sobriquets such as “7-Late-7” and “Lateliner”.
If you wish to read more about this article and the one below then just double click on this link:-
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/07/boeing-cracks-idUSL1N0M425E20140307
AIRBUS CRACKS
Boeing's disclosure comes as Airbus emerges from a painful two-year program of modifications and hundreds of millions of euros of financial charges triggered by the discovery of cracks on brackets attached to wing ribs on the A380. Reuters reported on Thursday that Airbus had once again ordered more frequent inspections of the wings of the world's largest passenger jet after discovering unexpected levels of metal fatigue, this time during testing on a factory mock-up. The planemaker has asked airlines to inspect the wing's "spars" or main internal beams during regular major overhauls carried out after six years in service, and then again at 12 years, instead of waiting for the 12-year overhaul, industry sources said. An Airbus spokeswoman confirmed the discovery of unspecified "fatigue findings" on a factory test plane. "This will be addressed during routine maintenance inspections and the aircraft remains safe to fly," she said. Most aircraft undergo a regular pattern of checks from small daily ones to heavy maintenance checks every five or six years. Aircraft industry experts have known for decades that metal fatigue cannot be eliminated, but they have worked out a system for monitoring it backed up by mandatory maintenance schedules.
Having worked on some of the earliest models here in Melbourne, I was disappointed to read that the latest problems are the wings. Fortunately though the ailerons (which are built here in Melbourne) and connected to the wings, haven't caused any problems - so far. For those who don't know what the ailerons do, can do s by clicking on this link - http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airplanes4.htm
Boeing Co said on Friday that "hairline cracks" had been discovered in the wings of about 40 787 Dreamliners that are in production, marking another setback for the company's newest jet. The cracks have not been found on planes that are in use by airlines and therefore posed no safety risk, Boeing said, adding the problem also will not alter Boeing's plans to deliver 110 787s this year. However, Boeing said the cracks, which also occurred on the larger 787-9 model currently undergoing flight tests, could delay by a few weeks the date when airlines can take delivery of their new planes. The disclosure raised questions about repair costs and a possible minor increase in the weight of the plane, but did not seem to spell major trouble for Boeing, industry experts said. Wing-maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd notified Boeing in February of the problem, which arose after the Japanese company altered its manufacturing process.
Boeing, based in Chicago, said it immediately notified customers of potential delays. It said none of the jets potentially affected by the problem have been delivered. "We are confident that the condition does not exist in the in-service fleet" Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said. U.S. regulators did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether they planned to take action over Boeing's wing crack issue. These delays prompted analysts to tag the plane with sobriquets such as “7-Late-7” and “Lateliner”.
If you wish to read more about this article and the one below then just double click on this link:-
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/07/boeing-cracks-idUSL1N0M425E20140307
AIRBUS CRACKS
Boeing's disclosure comes as Airbus emerges from a painful two-year program of modifications and hundreds of millions of euros of financial charges triggered by the discovery of cracks on brackets attached to wing ribs on the A380. Reuters reported on Thursday that Airbus had once again ordered more frequent inspections of the wings of the world's largest passenger jet after discovering unexpected levels of metal fatigue, this time during testing on a factory mock-up. The planemaker has asked airlines to inspect the wing's "spars" or main internal beams during regular major overhauls carried out after six years in service, and then again at 12 years, instead of waiting for the 12-year overhaul, industry sources said. An Airbus spokeswoman confirmed the discovery of unspecified "fatigue findings" on a factory test plane. "This will be addressed during routine maintenance inspections and the aircraft remains safe to fly," she said. Most aircraft undergo a regular pattern of checks from small daily ones to heavy maintenance checks every five or six years. Aircraft industry experts have known for decades that metal fatigue cannot be eliminated, but they have worked out a system for monitoring it backed up by mandatory maintenance schedules.
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