New Delhi: In a movement that potentially points to a defect in Boeing aircraft used by its private operators, the Indian Aviation Authority asked national airlines on Monday to inspect their fuel control switches, a factor in the recent collapse of Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
The Hindu He said that the DGCCA Aviation Regulator ordered airlines to inspect the lock in the fuel control switches in the Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft before July 21. The move occurs days after the preliminary probe report to the Indian Indian accident discovered that the switches were cut before the accident last month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in 2018, had marked the possible disconnection of the fuel control switch lock function in certain models of Boeing aircraft, including 787 and 737. It was mentioned in a special aircraft information newsletter (SAIB), but there was no aircraft directive, which indicates that the problem was not a safety concern, the Hindu said.
“DGCA has been notified, that several operators, both internationally and domestic, have initiated an inspection in their fleet of airplanes according to SAIB NM-18-33 dated December 17, 2018. In the opinion of the aircraft operators of the airlines of the affected aircraft, it is advised to complete the required inspection,” said the DGCA in an order.
Fuel control switches regulate fuel flow in aircraft engines. A senior official did not immediately confirm which operators would be affected. Air India operates Boeing 787, and Air India Express and Spicejet operate Boeing 737 aircraft.
Although Indigo also has Boeing 787 airplanes, but because they are leaving a foreign airline, they will not be subject to this order, explained a senior DGCA official.
Posted in Dawn, July 15, 2025
