The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an updated Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning several Boeing 777 aircraft models due to potential explosion risks in the event of lightning strikes. The recent AD was issued this week to revise prior measures aimed at addressing cracks in wing chords. During a review of the wing issues, the FAA identified inaccuracies in the original AD pertaining to the replacement of cap seals on fasteners within a wing section that extends into the center fuel tank.
The FAA stated in the AD that if these seals are not correctly replaced and if the associated fastener lacks proper electrical bonding to the aircraft's structure, there is a risk of the fastener sparking during a lightning strike. This, in turn, could trigger a fuel tank explosion. The directive is projected to apply to approximately 291 aircraft registered in the United States. The FAA's revision aims to enhance safety and mitigate potential hazards associated with lightning strikes for these Boeing 777 aircraft.
