747-8F Problems Pile Up

by: Air Cargo News

BOEING’s 747 programme spokesperson, Tim Bader, has confirmed to Air Cargo News that there is a “very high probability” that first deliveries of the B747-8 freighter will slip into 2011. An engineering source within Boeing told Air Cargo News that there was a serious and significant inflight oscillation (or vibration) problem and no solution had been found. He said that the FAA would not certify the aircraft with the fault and that the first aircraft destined for customers would be parked until the issue was resolved. He also added that he believed that a payload restriction may be imposed if an adequate solution could not be found. Bader confirmed that there was an ongoing problem with the aircraft, stating that “flight test continues to be impacted by two flight test discoveries: a structural vibration within the flight envelope and an underperforming actuator for the inboard aileron. Actions are in work to resolve both issues prior to entry into service”. He added, however, that he knew nothing of any payload restrictions.