2041. Weight Imjprovements in the Manufacturing Process Environment and Its Relationship to Overall Weight Control (747-400 Proc
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Paper
Abstract
This paper is authored and presented by Mr. Andreas (Andy) K. Leitl, manager of Weight Improvement programs for the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Since 1989, as part of his assignment, the author has provided leadership in the successful development and implementation of a weight improvement process within the manufacturing process environment to support 747-400 weight control. 1,500 lb have been removed on the 747-400 through this process from an average customer airplane and more weight is still being removed. Because of its effectiveness, this process has since been expanded to other Boeing commercial models, including Boeing manufacturing centers, Boeing suppliers, and the airline industry. The 757-400 experience with this process has shown a significant advancement and breakthrough in support of weight control. The Manufacturing Weight Awareness Process (MWAP) is supported through the rules, tools, and processes of the current continuous improvement process (CQ) at Boeing. The author feels obligated therefore to share his experiences with aircraft manufacturers and airline customers through this paper.