Boeing says it will begin shipping kits to fix the thrust reversers on Rolls-Royce-powered Boeing 777 aircraft within the next few weeks.
The action follows a 25 November service bulletin that the airframer issued to operators of 225 aircraft, 55 of which are on the US registry.
Issues with the thrust reverser, built by Spirit AeroSystems, centre on possible heat damage and the associated deterioration of the inner composite wall of the device.
A Boeing spokeswoman says in-service reports show that even if the damage does occur, the composite panels break into pieces small enough so that the debris does not "pose a threat to the airplane".
The thrust reverser fix includes "more robust" thermal blankets, cooling features and improve seals", says the spokeswoman.
As an interim measure, Boeing has recommended that operators perform repetitive inspections of the inner wall of the thrust reverser for potential heat damage.
If damage is found, affected parts must be replace before further flight, the company states.
Boeing says that in-service experience and testing has validated that a heat-damaged thrust reverser will continue to provide it's deceleration function for landings.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
