FAA Investigates Falsified Reports of Titanium Used in Aircraft
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating reports that Boeing and Airbus used falsified reports to verify the authenticity of titanium used in some recently produced jets. The fake documents are currently being investigated by Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing and Airbus’ fuselages supplier.
“When this was identified, all suspect parts were quarantined and removed from Spirit production,” said Joe Buccino, a spokesperson for Spirit AeroSystems. “More than 1,000 tests have been completed to confirm the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the affected material to ensure continued airworthiness,” he added.
Titanium is an important component in the aerospace supply chain, used to make landing gears, blades and turbine discs for aircraft. The FAA’s investigation will determine the depth of the issue as well as the short and long-term implications and safety of the aircraft that were equipped with such parts.
The investigation sparked after a parts supplier discovered small holes in the material from corrosion. Aircraft manufacturing companies are being pushed to manufacture new planes amid a post-COVID travel surge. However, supply chain issues and component shortages are limiting their ability to meet this demand.
Last year, jet engine manufacturer CFM International disclosed that thousands of its engine components might have been sold with falsified documentation by a British distributor. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said Friday he is launching a new congressional oversight inquiry into the FAA and Boeing after a January mid-air emergency involving a 737 MAX 9.
