Boeing won FAA safety certification for the 787 in August 2011.

NPR: NTSB Probes Safety Testing Of Boeing 787 Batteries

This change started in the early 1990s, when safety certification changes forced airlines to tweak their seats across the craft, explains Vern Alg of Aircraft Interiors Expo.

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Rather, ACI-NA expected the FAA to issue letters to specific airports that have systems with known Year 2000 problems and require them to fix or replace the equipment or face revocation of their safety certification.

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What the NTSB uncovers regarding the FAA's safety certification program could have important implications for the agency's ability to handle other technology challenges, including the transition to a new air traffic control system and the introduction of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace, said Jim Hall, a former safety board chairman.

NPR: NTSB Probes Safety Testing Of Boeing 787 Batteries

In recent years, the FAA has relied to a greater extent on designated employees of aircraft makers to conduct the safety testing necessary of certification.

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Hersman's statements cast doubt on the safety of the battery technology and the FAA's certification process for approving technology.

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The second company has to issue a certification that the car meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety standards for new vehicles, and that all safety equipment is working as required before it can be sold to the public, said Henry Jasny, an attorney with the Washington-based nonprofit Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

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But his group supports the idea that the FAA self-certification system should be reviewed, to bolster its safety.

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The safety board also said it is placing under the microscope Boeing's testing program, which led to the certification of the lithium-ion batteries for the plane.

CNN: Boeing can conduct Dreamliner test flights

Advances made by these American companies during the first contract phase known as the certification products contracts (CPC) will begin the process of ensuring integrated crew transportation systems will meet agency safety requirements and standards to launch American astronauts to the International Space Station from the United States, ending the agency's reliance on Russia for these transportation services.

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