Air India has announced the completion of precautionary inspections on the Fuel Control Switches (FCS) in its entire fleet of Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft, confirming no issues were found.
Air India Completes Crucial Inspections
In a recent statement, Air India confirmed it has successfully concluded a vital round of precautionary inspections. The focus was on the locking mechanism of Fuel Control Switches (FCS) across all its Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
The airline reported that these thorough checks revealed “no issues” with the crucial locking mechanisms. This proactive measure was undertaken to ensure the continued safety and operational integrity of its fleet.
Responding to Regulatory Directives
The inspections were prompted by a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator. The DGCA had mandated that most India-registered Boeing commercial aircraft undergo these specific checks by July 21.
Air India began its voluntary inspections on July 12, well in advance of the deadline. The airline stated it completed all necessary checks within the prescribed time limit set by the DGCA and has communicated its findings to the regulator.
Why the Focus on Fuel Control Switches?
This widespread inspection was initiated following a preliminary investigation report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The report delved into a significant aviation incident involving an Air India flight.
The investigation suggested that a previous Air India plane crash occurred because both engines were starved of fuel. This happened when the fuel control switches reportedly moved from the ‘RUN’ to the ‘CUTOFF’ position shortly after takeoff.
Recalling a Tragic Incident
The incident in question involved Air India flight AI 171, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. On June 12, the aircraft tragically crashed moments after takeoff.
The disaster resulted in a devastating loss of life, with 241 of the 242 people on board perishing, along with several casualties on the ground. This marked the worst aviation disaster involving an Indian airline in over four decades and was the first fatal crash of Boeing’s next-generation wide-body aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner.
A Commitment to Safety
Air India has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety of both its passengers and crew members. The airline emphasized that these precautionary inspections are part of its ongoing dedication to operational safety standards.
The DGCA’s order to inspect the fuel control switches also came after several Boeing aircraft operators, particularly those overseas, initiated voluntary inspections based on similar advisories. Globally, there are approximately 1,100 Boeing 787 aircraft in operation, highlighting the significance of such safety protocols.
- Air India completed inspections of Fuel Control Switches on all Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft.
- No issues were found with the crucial locking mechanisms.
- The inspections were mandated by the DGCA following a fatal Air India 787 crash where fuel control switches were implicated.
- Air India voluntarily started inspections early and met the DGCA’s deadline.
This swift action by Air India underscores the critical importance of continuous safety checks in the aviation industry, particularly following major accident investigations.
