Boeing hopes to clear up outstanding certification issues for the 787 with US and European authorities by the end of the year, clearing the way for approval of its certification plan in early 2006. Despite the list of new and advanced technologies on the 787, Boeing says there have been “no surprises” in the issues raised by either the US Federal Aviation Administration or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The aircraft will be the first airliner with an all-composite primary structure in the fuselage and wing, as well as the first “more electric” design without engine bleed and pneumatics. Although these are the main focus for special conditions, Boeing says they are not “show stoppers”. Jeff Hawk, 787 director of government, environment and certification, says: “We may see one for lightning strike associated with composites, and perhaps others to do with the use of composites and electric systems.” Boeing is negotiating with the FAA and EASA over 95 “issue papers” that may result in special conditions or EASA equivalent certification review items. Hawk says the faster agreement is reached, the “more logical the sequence and the managing of the risk”.
Boeing began the type certification process for the 787 when it applied to the FAA in May 2003. “When you make the application to the FAA that freezes the rules at that point, except for special conditions,” says Hawk. By agreeing all these conditions early Boeing hopes to avoid “the situation Airbus is in with the A380, which is in flight test yet still getting special conditions”, he adds.
GUY NORRIS/SEATTLE
Source: Flight International
