FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for Boeing 787 Due to VHF Frequency Anomalies
The directive mandates an operational software update for the Tuning Control Panel (TCP) to prevent communication failures with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) affecting specific Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models. This action follows reports of uncommanded changes in VHF frequencies on the Tuning Control Panel (TCP), which could lead to communication failures with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and pose an operational safety risk.
Communication Failure Risks
The FAA has received reports of involuntary VHF frequency switching between active and standby modes without crew intervention. This anomaly could result in pilots missing critical ATC instructions, such as clearance changes or route modifications, increasing the risk of:
- Runway incursions
- Loss of separation between aircraft
- Potential mid-air collisions
Required Updates and Compliance
To mitigate these risks, the FAA’s proposal mandates:
- Operational software (OPS) updates for the Tuning Control Panel (TCP)
- Configuration verification to ensure the installation of Part Number (P/N) COL43–0025–0004 or later versions
Boeing will provide the update at no cost to affected operators.
The directive applies to 157 Boeing 787 aircraft registered in the U.S., excluding three units that have already received the update during production. Operators must complete the software installation and verification within the specified timeframe once the directive takes effect.
Cost and Operational Impact
The FAA estimates a compliance cost of $127.50 per aircraft, totaling $20,017.50 for the industry. Given the minimal downtime required, operational disruptions are expected to be negligible.
The FAA is accepting public comments until April 14, 2025, via regulations.gov. After reviewing feedback, the agency may revise the directive before finalizing it.
This initiative underscores the FAA’s commitment to proactively addressing potential safety hazards before they lead to serious incidents. Airlines operating the Boeing 787 are expected to comply with the directive once it is officially enacted.
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