FAA and Boeing Confirm Safety of Fuel Switch Locks

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have both confirmed the safety of fuel switch locks on Boeing aircraft, following a preliminary investigation into a recent Air India crash. According to a document reviewed by Reuters and information from four sources, the FAA issued a Continued Airworthiness Notification on July 11. This notification came in response to a preliminary report on a Boeing 787-8 crash that resulted in 260 fatalities. The report raised concerns about the engine fuel cutoff switches.

Details of the FAA Notification

The FAA’s notification, addressed to Civil Aviation Authorities, stated that despite similarities in the fuel control switch design across various Boeing models, the issue does not constitute an unsafe condition that would necessitate an Airworthiness Directive. This includes the Model 787. When approached for comments, the FAA reiterated its stance as outlined in the notification.

Boeing’s Response and Recommendations

Boeing echoed the FAA’s findings in a Multi-Operator-Message sent to airlines recently. The planemaker indicated that no immediate action is recommended regarding the fuel switch locks. Boeing directed inquiries back to the FAA for further clarification.

Air India’s Compliance and ALPA India’s Concerns

The preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) referenced a 2018 FAA advisory. This advisory suggested inspections of the fuel cutoff switches’ locking feature but did not mandate them. Air India confirmed it had not conducted these inspections since they were not obligatory. The report also confirmed compliance with all relevant airworthiness directives and 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 probe as observers.

Investigation Insights and Expert Opinions

The preliminary report highlighted a critical moment captured on the cockpit voice recorder, where one pilot questioned why the 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 explain how this occurred. Two US safety experts have supported ALPA India’s request for observer status in the investigation, asserting that the report does not imply pilot error bias. John Cox, a former ALPA representative, described AAIB’s report as objective and fair.