According to the US Civil Aviation Authority, the Boeing 787 poses a potential risk of pressure water loss, which could result in leaks in critical components. A corresponding airworthiness directive has already been issued by the FAA.

Since the Dreamliner entered service, various defects have emerged that had to be rectified. It has now been determined that under certain circumstances water can escape and this can subsequently damage important components or even cause dangerous short circuits. The FAA has not yet explicitly ordered any improvements, but is asking airlines, pilots, technicians, the manufacturer and experts to comment by January 27, 2023. The background is that the FAA wants to collect suggestions and field reports.

The document published by the US authority also shows that security reasons are compelling action. It is currently believed that at least 135 US-registered Boeing 787s could be affected.

According to the document, the agency was forced to act after reports of an in-flight loss of water pressure and water leaks affecting several electronic devices. However, there are also immediate measures: Operators must immediately carry out a visual inspection of all drinking water systems on door 1 and door 3 of the toilets and galleys for missing or improperly installed clamshell couplings and appropriate remedial measures.

Two operators using the Dreamliner reported water leaks, according to the regulator. One stated that the leak was significant due to a loose drinking water system hose caused by an improperly installed coupler in the toilet. The other reported a water leak caused by a loose locking coupler under the forward center galley countertop at Door 1 next to the Gray Water Interface Valve (GWIV) access compartment. The findings include an in-flight loss of water pressure and a leak in the drinking water system, which was discovered after landing and resulted in water entering the front of the electronic equipment (EE) and affecting multiple pieces of electronic equipment, the FAA said -Document. In addition, the plane lost water pressure during the flight.