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New Delhi: On February 1 Air India B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX operated flight AI 132 (London-Bangalore). During engine start in London on two occasions crew observed that the fuel control switch did not remain positively latched in the “RUN” position when light vertical pressure was applied. On the third attempt the switch latched correctly in “RUN” and subsequently remained stable. Physical verification was performed by the crew Before continuing with the rest of procedure a physical verification was performed by the crew to confirm that the switch was fully and positively latched in the “RUN” position. No abnormal engine parameters cautions warnings or related system messages were observed during engine start or at any time thereafter. The operating crew member was briefed on the observation unnecessary contact with the switch was avoided and engine indications and alerting systems were closely monitored by the crew for the remainder of the flight. The flight was completed without incident. Crew reported defect in PDR after landing at Bangalore After landing at Bangalore crew reported the defect in the PDR. Air India referred the matter to M/s Boeing for further guidance. Based on the M/s Boeing recommended checks to establish the serviceability of fuel control switch M/s Air India engineering observed that: “Both left and right switches were checked and found satisfactory with the locking tooth/pawl fully seated and not slipping from RUN to CUTOFF. When full force was applied parallel to the base plate the switch remained secure. However applying external force in an incorrect direction caused the switch to move easily from RUN to CUTOFF due to the angular base plate allowing slip when pressed improperly with finger or thumb.” Pull-to-unlock force was checked on fuel control switch In addition based on Boeing’s communication the pull-to-unlock force was checked on the fuel control switch using the recommended procedure on the involved fuel cut off switch the fuel control unit to be installed and fuel cut off switch of another aircraft. In all cases the pull-to-unlock force was found within limits. These inspections were carried out in the presence of DGCA officers. The airline is being advised to circulate the Boeing recommended procedure for the operation of Fuel CUT OFF switch to its crew members.