FAA and Boeing Confirm Safety of Fuel Switch Locks

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have reassured the aviation community about the safety of fuel switch locks on Boeing aircraft. According to a document reviewed by Reuters and confirmed by four sources, the FAA has issued a Continued Airworthiness Notification stating that the fuel control switch design, including its locking feature, does not pose an unsafe condition. This notification follows a preliminary report on a tragic Boeing 787-8 crash that resulted in 260 fatalities, which raised concerns about engine fuel cutoff switches.

Details of the FAA Notification

The FAA’s notification, dated July 11, was directed to Civil Aviation Authorities. It emphasized that despite similarities in the fuel control switch design across various Boeing models, there is no need for an Airworthiness Directive for any Boeing aircraft, including the Model 787. When approached for further comments, the FAA maintained its stance as outlined in the notification.

Boeing’s Position on the Matter

Boeing echoed the FAA’s findings in a Multi-Operator Message sent to airlines recently. The message indicated that Boeing does not recommend any immediate action regarding the fuel switch locks. When questioned, Boeing deferred to the FAA’s notification for further clarification.

Air India’s Compliance and ALPA India’s Response

The preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) referenced a 2018 FAA advisory. This advisory suggested inspections of the fuel cutoff switch locking feature but did not mandate them. Air India reported that it had not conducted these inspections since they were not compulsory. The report confirmed compliance with all applicable airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins. ALPA India, representing Indian pilots within the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, has called for a fair investigation, rejecting assumptions of pilot error. ALPA India President Sam Thomas emphasized the need for pilot representation in the inquiry process.

Investigation Insights and Expert Opinions

The investigation report highlighted a critical moment when one pilot questioned why fuel was cut off, with the other denying any action. The report noted that fuel switches flipped from run to cutoff shortly after takeoff but did not clarify how this occurred during flight. Two U.S. safety experts have supported ALPA India’s request for observer status in the investigation, noting that the report does not imply pilot error bias. John Cox, a former ALPA representative, described the AAIB’s report as objective and fair.