Title: Pilots Demand India Ground Boeing 787s to Investigate Use of Emergency System – A Deep Dive into the Ram Air Turbine Incidents The recent demand by Indian pilots to ground all Boeing 787 Dreamliners in order to investigate the use of emergency systems, specifically the ram air turbine (RAT), has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of this aircraft model. This call for action comes after an Air India flight experienced a RAT deployment over the weekend, which landed safely but raises questions regarding its activation during another flight that crashed in June. The ram air turbine is designed to provide backup power when electrical systems fail or hydraulic pressure drops. It works by utilizing the aerodynamic force of the aircraft’s movement through the air to generate electricity. This system has proven crucial in maintaining critical functions during emergencies, such as landing without full engine power. However, its activation during both flights raises serious questions about potential design flaws or malfunctions that could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed promptly. The fact that the same emergency measure was deployed twice within a short period of time suggests there may be an underlying issue with either the aircraft model itself or how it is being operated by pilots and maintenance crews. Historically, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has faced several challenges since its introduction in 2011, including battery fires due to overheating lithium-ion batteries and issues with wiring harnesses causing electrical short circuits. These incidents led to a temporary grounding of all 787s worldwide by aviation authorities until the problems were resolved. In light of these past events, it is essential that regulators take this demand seriously and conduct thorough investigations into the ram air turbine deployments. If there are indeed design flaws or operational errors contributing to these incidents, immediate action must be taken to prevent further accidents from occurring. From my perspective, while I understand the urgency of addressing potential safety concerns, grounding an entire fleet based on two isolated events may not be the most effective solution. A more targeted approach should focus on identifying specific issues related to each incident and implementing targeted solutions accordingly. This would allow for a faster return to normal operations while still ensuring passenger safety remains paramount. In conclusion, the recent demand by Indian pilots to ground all Boeing 787 Dreamliners highlights the importance of addressing potential design flaws or operational errors in order to maintain public confidence and ensure the continued safety of air travel. While a thorough investigation into these incidents is necessary, it is crucial that any actions taken are based on sound evidence rather than fear-mongering or speculation.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/world/asia/air-india-boeing-planes.html)
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