In a recent setback for Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections of cockpit seats on Boeing 787 Dreamliners following an alarming incident. The safety order, scheduled to be published on Wednesday, comes after a 787 Dreamliner experienced a sudden dive when the captain's seat unexpectedly moved forward, disconnecting the autopilot system. The FAA requires operators of 158 Dreamliners registered in the United States to inspect both pilot seats for missing or cracked caps covering a crucial switch. This development follows Boeing's own recommendation days after the incident to airlines to examine cockpit seats for loose caps.

The incident in question occurred during a flight by Chile-based Latam Airlines in March. As the captain's seat moved forward and accidentally hit a switch, the plane abruptly dropped 400 feet (120 meters) before the co-pilot regained control. Several passengers were injured during this terrifying episode. In addition to this particular incident, the FAA highlighted that it has received four other reports from Boeing regarding cockpit seats moving involuntarily, including one incident in June.

In a separate concern, Boeing has suspended test flights of its highly anticipated 777-9 jetliner. The suspension comes in the wake of the discovery of a damaged structural part linking the engine to the rest of the aircraft. Without FAA approval yet obtained, Boeing aims to introduce this long-range model as an addition to its existing lineup of 777 jets. Notably, the 777-9 jetliner boasts folding wingtips, allowing it to fit into airport gates designed for other 777 aircraft.

The suspensions and inspections follow a series of issues the aircraft manufacturer has faced. Earlier this year, the FAA proposed a final rule calling for inspections of engine anti-ice system inlets on 787s, due to reports of heat damage caused by missing or degraded seals around ducts. Boeing had already identified this problem in bulletins sent to airlines in 2020.

Regarding the 777-9, Boeing revealed that during scheduled maintenance, cracks were discovered on a component known as a thrust link, which is responsible for balancing the load between the engines and the aircraft. The company assured that there are four thrust links on each 777-9, providing redundancy with two links per engine. This specific component is unique to the 777-9 and is not utilized in other Boeing models.

As Boeing continues to address these setbacks, it emphasizes that it is working closely with the FAA and keeping airlines informed about the latest developments in both the inspection and test flight suspension matters. The aircraft manufacturer is committed to resolving the identified issues promptly, ensuring the safety and reliability of their aircraft moving forward.

Overall, these incidents and safety measures indicate the importance of thorough inspections, vigilant maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols to guarantee passenger safety and uphold industry standards.