FAA orders grounding of Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by United Airlines is seen on Jan. 9, 2013, at Los Angeles International Airport. / David McNew/Getty Images

WASHINGTON Federal officials say they are ordering aircraft operators to ground Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets to address a potential battery fire risk of the plane's lithium batteries.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Wednesday that it will issue an emergency safety order requiring airlines to temporarily cease operating all U.S.-registered 787s, Boeing's newest and most technologically advanced plane.

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Dreamliners grounded in Japan

"The FAA will work with the manufacturer and carriers to develop a corrective action plan to allow the U.S. 787 fleet to resume operations as quickly and safely as possible," said the agency.

United Airlines (UAL), the only U.S. operator of 787s, said in a statement on Wednesday that it "will immediately comply with the airworthiness directive and will work closely with the FAA and Boeing on the technical review as we work toward restoring 787 service."

United has six 787s. It said it plans to re-accommodate customers who had booked flights on its 787s on alternate aircraft.

Only days ago, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood declared the plane safe.

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But after an emergency landing in Japan early Wednesday, two Japanese airlines voluntarily grounded their 787s.

The FAA announced in a statement that as a result of a battery incident aboard a 787 in Japan on Wednesday, the aircraft must demonstrate to the government agency that its batteries are safe and in compliance.

[cattiej]

So, like fire McNerney, the CEO of Boeing...after all he wants people to work until they are 70 before they can collect Social Security...it's only fair that he be without a job as a person Social Security depends on their yearly salary the last 5 years before they collect Social Security.
It's funny that he spoke at a conference on business this month and now his new Boeing 787 planes has been pulled out of the skys today..somebody at Boeing must pay the price and I can't think of a better person than have to pay that price than this CEO McNerny....I think that if you are millionaire like he is you don't need that social security check anyway..Perhaps we should all refuse to fly in any Boeing aircraft...