787 battery fix approved
Plastic planes still grounded as operators await repair manuals
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Boeing's beleaguered 787 is a little closer to flying again after the USA's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). approved the plane-makers new battery system plans.
The 787 was grounded earlier this year after battery packs on two craft overheated and produced lots of smoke.
Boeing revealed the details of the two incidents and explained what happened, without ever quite explaining just why the near-fires occurred. Engineers have since been working on a new design to stop the batteries from overheating in future.
Those plans were, late last week, approved by the FAA. The Administration will next issue instructions on how 787 operators should implement the new design. Those instructions will land this week, and the FAA will check to ensure operators follow them before allowing 787s to fly again.
All of which could mean 787s return to the skies in a matter of days.
The news is not all good at Boeing, however, as it last week announced layoffs of around 1700 staff, with many expected to depart from its passenger aircraft operations. ®
COMMENTS
Highly Rated
Thank you, FAA...
...but there's no way this little black duck will be getting on a B787 for at least a year or so.
I do not trust Boeing's 'fire box' solution to their as-yet-unexplained battery fires as it does nothing to explain how the last two 'non-fires' happened. All it does is (hopefully) contain any future fire. A couple of highly publicised flights in which the batteries didn't catch fire does not solve the problem.
This will only be ironed out when Boeing / Yuasa / ??? publish why the batteries reacted in the way they did. Anything else is a band aid solution (Bob Geldof not included).
Anon due to aviation involvement.
Manual update...
p445 Insert: "7b During normal operation some smoke and/or flames may be seen coming from the battery pack. This is perfectly safe and is not a cause for concern.
If the problem persists the pilots should reduce altitude and land the aircraft. At this point the Captain may wish to inform the passengers of the aircraft's status, but phrases such as 'the plane's on fire' or 'we're all going to die' should be avoided as they might cause alarm.
If the aircraft is already descending the pilots need take no further action as the aircraft will automatically stop when it reaches the ground."
Instructions for Battery Ventilation Conduit
1) Cut hole directly through fuselage directly above battery compartment.
2) Line with bricks (components labelled a1), using mortar (bag b1, add water*).
3 )At exit point on fuselage exterior, use ornate bricks (component a2) to raise above fuselage line.
4) Finally, mount chimney pots (component a3) using remaining mortar (bag b1).
In use, do not be alarmed by smoke rising through the conduit. This is a design feature intended to add an 'old world' aesthetic. If, however, flames are seen, use enclosed bucket* (component a4) to extinguish, otherwise flaming death crash may ensue (please refer to Bible - component a5).
*Water not included.
"overheated and produced lots of smoke"
Where I live fireplaces aren't allowed, unless they're pre-existing. Perhaps I can justify adding one by explaining that they're actually just "near-fireplaces"?
I add newspaper, and a few small sticks, throw a match in and watch as the paper and sticks overheat and produce lots of smoke. Then I add some bigger sticks which overheat and produce lots of smoke, followed by a large log, which gradually overheats and produces lots of smoke.
I'll need a chimney of course, but that's just so I can perform an "emergency venting procedure".
Re: JNB<>SYD
This is your captain speaking. The bad news is that we are losing altitude rapidly. The good news is that when we hit the water, it should put the fire out.
