The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to issue a new airworthiness directive for Boeing 787 Dreamliners, concerning issues with the aircraft’s tuning control panel (TCP). This directive will require operators of the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models to update the aircraft’s operational software to ensure safety.
The directive arises from several reports indicating that very high frequency radio frequencies transfer between the active and standby windows of the TCP without flight crew input. This issue could potentially cause missed communication between the aircraft’s crew and air traffic control, raising safety concerns that the FAA seeks to address.
Some airlines, such as Qatar Airways, have already attempted to address the issue by modifying their 787s with new loadable software aircraft parts (LSAPS). However, reports indicate that the problem persists even after the modification. Qatar Airways is asking the FAA to reconsider the mandate to more effectively address the issue.
American Airlines, another major operator of the Boeing 787, has also commented on the draft directive. The airline requested changes to the wording of the mandate to limit its applicability to aircraft that still possess the issue. The request specifically suggests that the directive should apply to Boeing 787 models with a specific TCP software version, COL43-0025-0004 or earlier. This change would exclude aircraft that have already resolved the issue either in production or operation.
With airlines like Kenya Airways and others yet to weigh in on the directive, the FAA is expected to consider feedback from industry stakeholders before finalizing the airworthiness directive.
