[RandyRep]

I agree with your statement about metal vs. composites -- Boeing still doesn't have much composite material in primary structures like the vertical tail. However, I think the new 7E7 will have more composites, and probably in some primary structure.

I'm sure that the final NTSB report will cover all of these issues - it should be interesting to see what they say about the material choice.

[Boot Hill]

"Boeing still doesn't have much composite material in primary structures like the vertical tail."

The vertical stabilizer of Boeing's 777 is composite.

--Boot Hill