US Inspects Boeing 787 After Midair Dive

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections of hundreds of Boeing 787 Dreamliners following a serious incident involving a LATAM Airlines flight in March that resulted in injuries to at least 50 passengers. The FAA's investigation revealed that a sudden forward movement of the cockpit seat caused the autopilot to disconnect, leading to a rapid descent of approximately 400 feet. This incident has prompted the FAA to issue an airworthiness directive affecting 158 U.S.-registered aircraft and 737 globally, requiring inspections to be completed within 30 days. The FAA's directive specifically targets the captain's and first officer's seats, which must be checked for missing or damaged rocker switch caps. The agency has received multiple reports of similar issues since the March incident, with three cases linked to loose switch caps. The FAA emphasized that uncommanded movements of cockpit seats could lead to dangerous in-flight situations, necessitating immediate corrective actions by operators. Boeing has expressed full support for the FAA's directive, which comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the company's safety practices. Recent investigations have uncovered various issues, including improperly installed fasteners on undelivered jets and allegations of falsified inspection records. Whistleblowers have raised concerns about the company's culture, suggesting a lack of accountability and transparency in safety practices. As Boeing grapples with these challenges, the company is reportedly facing significant financial strain, with over $1 billion in monthly losses and around 200 unfinished jets. The FAA's actions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring aviation safety and addressing potential risks associated with Boeing's aircraft.