Boeing faces issue with 787 Dreamliners

In response to a March incident involving LATAM Airlines that resulted in injuries to at least 50 individuals, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) addressing safety concerns related to Boeing aircraft. The directive, released on August 2, highlights reports of "uncommanded horizontal movement" of the captain’s and first officer’s seats, with the latest incident reported in June 2024. The FAA warns that such movements can lead to in-flight control issues, potentially causing rapid descents and serious injuries. The FAA's directive mandates that operators of Boeing 787-7, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes conduct inspections of the seats for missing or damaged rocker switch caps and nonfunctional switch cover assemblies within 30 days. Operators are also required to implement any necessary corrective actions. This directive impacts 158 U.S.-registered aircraft and 737 globally, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue. Veteran pilots have expressed concern over the seriousness of these "seat ghost movements," emphasizing that they could have resulted in fatal accidents. One pilot commended the FAA for its proactive stance, noting that the agency is taking the matter seriously and compelling Boeing to address the safety risks associated with its aircraft assembly. As the aviation industry continues to navigate safety challenges, the FAA's swift action reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew aboard commercial flights.