Boeing asks for beacon checks on up to 1,200 jets

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Boeing (BA.N) has asked airlines to inspect up to 1,200 aircraft across its fleet to gather data on Honeywell (HON.N) emergency beacons that have come under scrutiny following a fire on a parked 787 Dreamliner two weeks ago.

The blaze caused serious damage to the jet owned by Ethiopian Airlines at London's Heathrow on July 12.

Between 1,100 and 1,200 Boeing aircraft of all sizes have been fitted with the beacons, but Boeing is asking that airlines inspect as many as possible and report back within 10 days to help regulators decide what action to take, if any.

"Boeing is asking specific operators of 717, Next-Generation 737, 747-400, 767 and 777s to inspect aircraft with the Honeywell fixed emergency locator transmitters," a Boeing spokesman said in an emailed statement late on Sunday.

Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/07/29/uk-boeing-dreamliner-airbus-idUKBRE96S0D620130729

[Blue_Tires]

1. probably some kind of wiring glitch...

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. FAA Press Release – ELTs aboard Boeing 787 aircraft

Press Release – ELTs aboard Boeing 787 aircraft
http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsid=14914

For Immediate Release
July 20, 2013
Contact: Kristie Greco
Phone: [phone]

FAA Statement

After reviewing the initial findings of the AAIB's report and recommendations, the Federal Aviation Administration is working with Boeing to develop instructions to operators for inspection of the Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) on Boeing 787 aircraft.

These inspections would ask operators to inspect for proper wire routing and any signs of wire damage or pinching, as well as inspect the battery compartment for unusual signs of heating or moisture.

The FAA is preparing to issue an Airworthiness Directive in the coming days that would make these inspections mandatory. Federal Aviation Regulations do not require large commercial aircraft in scheduled service to be equipped with these devices.

Over the weekend, the FAA will be communicating its intentions to aviation safety regulators in other countries.

As an active participant in the AAIB's investigation, we continue to work closely with the AAIB, along with Boeing and Honeywell, as the investigation continues into the cause of the recent fire aboard a 787 jetliner while parked on the ground in London.

They did so, and here it is:

Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-07-26/pdf/2013-18110.pdf

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787–8 airplanes. This AD requires either removal or inspection of the Honeywell fixed emergency locator transmitter (ELT), and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of a fire involving a Honeywell fixed ELT. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire in the aft crown of the
airplane, or to detect and correct discrepancies within the ELT that could cause such a fire.

DATES: This AD is effective on July 26, 2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 9, 2013.

The equivalent European regulatory agency issued one too.

EASA publishes 787 airworthiness directive
http://centreforaviation.com/news/easa-publishes-787-airworthiness-directive-250012

CAPA > Aviation News > EASA publishes 787 airworthiness directive
29-Jul-2013 10:46 AM

© CAPA
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published (26-Jul-2013) an airworthiness directive mandating the inspection or removal of the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Initial examination of the fire-affected area revealed that the greatest heat damage was centred on the upper portion of the rear fuselage, which coincides with the location of the fixed ELT and its associated system wiring. Initial technical findings of the accident investigations have resulted in the conclusion that the ELT may have initiated or contributed to the event. Discrepancies within the ELT, if not corrected, could cause a fire in the aft crown of the airplane. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to overheating of the affected area and/or internal component failure of the ELT, which could ultimately result in smoke and/or fire in the passenger cabin. European operators of the type are required to either remove or inspect the Honeywell-manufactured ELT, and take corrective actions if necessary. This directive is an interim measure to prevent any unsafe condition. EASA continues to monitor the situation closely. The EASA required the following actions:

•Inspect the battery of the ELT within 10 days;
If any discrepancy is detected replace the fixed Honeywell ELT with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of
Boeing before next flight;
•As an alternative to the above actions, the fixed ELT might be removed from the aircraft. {more - original PR}

[cliffordu]

3. I thought that said "Bacon checks"

[Posteritatis]

4. I am okay with erring on the side of caution with things like that. (nt)