Fri, Jan 25, 2013
Several Insiders Reportedly Warned About The Lithium Ion Batteries Overheating
Securaplane was rushed into providing non-conforming battery chargers to Boeing for the Dreamliner, according to a whistleblower who was fired six years ago from the company for alleged misconduct. But Michael Leon said he was let go because he raised safety concerns about the battery systems now at the heart of the NTSB's investigation of Boeing's new airplane.
The NTSB says it is currently reviewing information from "more than one whistleblower" as part of its investigation, according to a report from Reuters. Kelly Nantel, the board's director of public affairs, said that looking at whistleblower's accusations is "not uncommon" in such investigations. She said that the board is "pursuing that information where warranted."
Securaplane told the NTSB during a visit to its Arizona headquarters this week that Leon's dismissal had nothing to do with his raising concerns about the battery chargers destined for the Dreamliner. They said he was let go due to "repeated misconduct," a position supported by an administrative law judge. The FAA later concluded that the parts Leon said were non-conforming were prototypes, and were not installed on any airplanes.
Meanwhile, both the House and Senate committees that oversee aviation issues are likely to hold hearings focusing on the FAA's certification process. The Senate Commerce, Technology and Transportation Committee said Tuesday it plans such a hearing, but has not yet scheduled a date. Congressman Rick Larsen, the newly-appointed ranking Democrat on the House Aviation Subcommittee, said that panel would also likely look into the certification process.
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]