**FAA Declares Boeing Fuel Switches Safe Amid Air India Crash Investigation**

The preliminary report into the Air India crash raises concerns over fuel switches, but the FAA maintains no immediate dangers to aircraft safety.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has affirmed that the fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft are safe, despite being linked to the deadly Air India plane crash that claimed 260 lives in June. This announcement follows the release of a preliminary report by the India Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) detailing how fuel to the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s engines was cut off shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.

The tragic incident, which occurred just a minute into the flight destined for London, resulted in the loss of 240 passengers and 20 individuals on the ground, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent years. Investigations revealed that the switches, which are responsible for regulating fuel flow to the engines, were accidentally shifted from the "run" to "cut-off" position, ultimately compromising the plane's thrust and leading to its catastrophic failure.

Further complicating the investigation, voice recordings from the cockpit disclosed a conversation in which one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cut-off, only to receive a denial. This pivotal moment raises questions about how such a critical switch could be accidentally manipulated during flight.

In light of these findings, the AAIB referenced a 2018 FAA advisory that had encouraged operators of various Boeing models to inspect the locking mechanisms of the fuel cut-off switches to prevent accidental movement. However, it has been noted that Air India did not implement this critical safety inspection, raising concerns about the airline's compliance with safety measures.

The FAA reported that while the 2018 advisory highlighted potential issues with the locking feature of the fuel switches, it still does not deem the overall design of the aircraft unsafe. An internal FAA note urged that there are no immediate safety concerns warranting extra directives for Boeing aircraft, including the 787 model.

The investigation, currently ongoing, is expected to produce a more comprehensive report within the next year. As authorities continue to analyze the circumstances surrounding the crash, the emphasis remains on ensuring passenger safety and preventing future tragedies in aviation.