The US aviation regulator (FAA) on Wednesday published a proposal for modifications to a series of 777 aircraft from US manufacturer Boeing that have been grounded since February due to engine problems. The plane could fly again in early 2022.
On February 20, a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 engine caught fire shortly after takeoff in Denver, Colorado. Several parts of the engine fell off and ended up in a residential area. The pilots turned around and were able to land the plane safely. A few hours later, Boeing recommended grounding 128777s with the same type of engine, from engine manufacturer Pratt Whitney.
The US aviation authority, the Federal Aviation Administration, later said the turbine blade may have exploded due to metal stress and caught fire.
The authority has now made proposals to address the mechanical problems that were identified in a total of three different accidents. It proposes, among other things, a smoothing of the engine, an inspection of certain parts and an additional test of the emergency system.
Boeing says it supports the guidelines. United Airlines, the only US carrier to have 777s with damaged engines in its fleet, calls the proposals a “good solution” and expects the planes to operate again early next year.
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