3 weeks into the grounding, and we have fresh news today from the manufacture of the 787 – Boeing – who wish to conduct test flights.
The airframer is seeking permission from the US Federal Aviation Administration to take the bird back into the skies.
According to CNBC:
Through the testing of batteries and review of data, Boeing believes it now is to the point where further testing of Dreamliner batteries and components is needed while they are in flight. In other words, there are tests needed to either confirm or eliminate whether certain conditions (vibration, etc.) in flight did or did not contribute to the two Dreamliner battery fires.
The application to fly a test aircraft has been received by the FAA who are considering a response.
Currently, 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners – spread over 8 carriers are grounded pending permission to fix and fly – once a fix has been identified.
With Boeing making this move, it could be a sign that the company has found out what has happened. However, whilst a test flight may fly to validate any fix, it will take time to get the proper fix out to the airlines who have 787’s on the ground – and to the 787’s sitting on the ground in Everett, Washington.
The Seattle Times has a lot more on the subject and some of the fixes that Boeing are investigating, which involve managing the lithium-ion battery packs that are used in the 787 in a different way.
It’s sounding like a positive step forward for the 787 project – hopefully the test flights can commence and a proper fix can be rolled out – so that production planes can get in the air again and rebuild some of the shattered confidence out there.