Quantcast

FAA mandates checks on Boeing 787 landing gear assemblies

Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
AI in Aviation Line Maintenance: A Strategic Response to Delays, Satisfaction, and Staffing Challenges
Air taxi service plans for 2026 Los Angeles launch at USC, SoFi and LAX
FAA mandates checks on Boeing 787 landing gear assemblies
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) concerning the Boeing 787's main landing gear. This follows a report indicating that a mandatory inspection was not completed during the manufacturing process of drag brace lower lock link assemblies for the aircraft's main landing gear.

Operators are now required to check maintenance records or inspect whether specific drag brace lower links were installed on their aircraft. The FAA issued this directive despite one airline suggesting that a requirement bulletin (RB) was sufficient to address the issue.

The RB, identified as Boeing Alert RB B787-81205-SB320048-00, was released on November 20, 2023. It recommends inspections within 48 months of its issuance or within 48 months after the original airworthiness certificate was issued for potentially affected aircraft. If airlines discover affected part serial numbers in their assemblies, they must replace these parts within the same timeframe.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Before issuing this directive, the FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on August 1. Four stakeholders commented on it, including American Airlines and United Airlines. American Airlines argued that the directive was unnecessary since safety concerns were being addressed via the RB. However, the FAA disagreed with withdrawing the NPRM and stated: “Operators are not required to accomplish Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB320048-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 20, 2023, until an AD mandates accomplishment.”

The regulator emphasized that undetected cracks could lead to fractures in the assembly, potentially causing collapse of the main landing gear and loss of directional control while on ground. This worst-case scenario could result in runway excursions and fuel tank penetration.

According to Boeing’s RB, line numbers between 6 and 1168 are affected by this bulletin. The FAA estimates that around 156 aircraft may be impacted by this directive. An inspection or records check will cost operators approximately $85 per aircraft. If replacement is necessary, it would take about 18 working hours and cost $40,649 per aircraft including parts expenses.

The effective date for this AD is December 31, 2024.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Airlines for America has announced its support for a new air traffic control system, expressing gratitude to Secretary Duffy and President Trump for their leadership.

Jun 27, 2025

Avianca has announced that customers who pay with their Avianca LifeMiles Visa card will receive a 15% discount on food and drinks purchased onboard, according to a post on X. According to the official post by Avianca, customers using the Avianca...

Jun 27, 2025

EVA Air has announced a time-limited Sky Shop promotion for its BR05 (Los Angeles–Taipei) and BR07 (San Francisco–Taipei) flights.

Jun 27, 2025

Copa Airlines has announced the launch of a new flight route to San Diego, California.

Jun 27, 2025

Cathay Pacific has announced the launch of a new flight route connecting Munich and Hong Kong, marking its inaugural departure from Munich Airport.

Jun 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has launched a campaign inviting travelers to explore Madrid's architectural landmarks, vibrant art scene, and football culture.

Jun 27, 2025