Press Release - ELTs aboard Boeing 787 aircraft

After reviewing the initial findings of the AAIB's report and recommendations, the Federal Aviation Administration is working with Boeing to develop instructions to operators for inspection of the Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) on Boeing 787 aircraft.

These inspections would ask operators to inspect for proper wire routing and any signs of wire damage or pinching, as well as inspect the battery compartment for unusual signs of heating or moisture.

The FAA is preparing to issue an Airworthiness Directive in the coming days that would make these inspections mandatory. Federal Aviation Regulations do not require large commercial aircraft in scheduled service to be equipped with these devices.

Over the weekend, the FAA will be communicating its intentions to aviation safety regulators in other countries.

As an active participant in the AAIB's investigation, we continue to work closely with the AAIB, along with Boeing and Honeywell, as the investigation continues into the cause of the recent fire aboard a 787 jetliner while parked on the ground in London.