Boeing engineers are taking a closer look at the 777’s wings after routine maintenance on the 777X, the aircraft used for the test flights, revealed a faulty thrust rod.
According to Boeing, the thrust link is a structural component between the engine and the aircraft structure. The thrust link is designed to transfer thrust between the engines and pylons that connect the engine to the airframe.
“This part is specific to the 777-9, and each 777-9 engine contains two of these components, so there is redundancy,” the company said. FLY in a statement. “We are keeping the FAA fully updated on the issue and have shared information with our customers.”
The FAA confirmed that Boeing had informed the agency of the situation and was taking steps to assess the problem.
A thrust link is described as a “heavy titanium component” that is not part of the actual engine. The 777X is powered by the General Electric GE9X, which has a 134-inch front fan housed in an 11-foot-diameter cowling. GE says it is the largest and most powerful engine in the world, and is also more fuel efficient than its predecessors.
Boeing announced FLY that no flight tests are planned in the near future for the other test aircraft, which are due to undergo scheduled maintenance and decommissioning.
Three 777X aircraft will be used for the test flights. One of them is in Hawaii, the other two at King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KBFI) in Seattle and at Snohomish County Airport-Paine Field (KPAE) in Everett, Washington.
According to the Seattle NewspaperAs the Reuters news agency reported, maintenance technicians discovered cracks in the thrust rods after a 777X landed in Hawaii on Friday. Boeing immediately inspected the other two test aircraft and found cracks there too.
The Boeing 777X was introduced in 2013 and made its first flight in 2020. Delivery of the aircraft, which have not yet been certified by the FAA, is scheduled to begin in 2026.
