B787 - Usikkert når Boeing får starte testing

FAA Mulls Decision on 787 Tests


By ANDY PASZTOR

(WSJ) - Federal regulators have been working to give Boeing Co. BA +0.82%the green light for airborne tests of proposed lithium-ion battery fixes for its 787 Dreamliner as early as next week, though the actual test flights aren't likely to come that quickly, according to people familiar with the details.

The people said Boeing has told some airline customers that if testing is conducted in early March, the grounded jets could resume carrying passengers in a matter of weeks, perhaps even by the end of the month.

A final decision on the timing of the permission hasn't been made and must be reviewed and approved by senior Transportation Department officials, including Secretary Ray LaHood. Once Boeing gets the green light, it could take some time to organize details of the test flights.

FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said "reports that we are close to allowing 787 test flights are completely inaccurate."

Boeing, among other things, is counting on the fact that the Federal Aviation Administration's technical experts have supported the proposed changes, these people said.

Boeing didn't have any immediate comment.

Boeing's aggressive timetable for resuming regular flights could be upset if the FAA has any major questions or concerns about the battery enhancements before or after the test flights. Some industry officials project the Dreamliner won't be able to resume commercial service until April or later in the year.

An early March approval for test flights, however, would indicate the FAA is prepared to sign off on Boeing's package of proposed fixes before an international probe pinpoints a specific root cause that led to burning batteries last month aboard a pair of 787s operated by Japanese carriers. Mr. LaHood has been leery of approving the fixes without a definitive cause, according to one person briefed on the matter. The battery incidents prompted the FAA to ground U.S. 787s on Jan. 16, causing similar moves by regulators world-wide.

Boeing's proposals are geared toward ensuring that even if another battery starts to dangerously overheat, the situation won't turn into a crisis. The proposals emphasize changes to the guts of the plane's lithium-ion batteries along with a new protective fireproof container, according to people familiar with the details.

The metal "containment box" would be intended to ensure that flames and toxic chemicals automatically will be vented outside the aircraft, preventing damage to nearby wiring or structures. Boeing also envisions redesigning the power packs to keep internal battery cells from moving around or spreading heat or flames, as well as changes aimed at keeping closer track of battery conditions.