AD 2020-20-09 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Models named: 787-8, 787-9. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

This paragraph restates the requirements of the introductory text to paragraph (g) and paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (4) of AD 2015-14-07 (paragraph (g)(3) of AD 2015-14-07 is not retained in this AD), with no changes. For Model 787-8 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, Issue 002, dated February 12, 2015: Within 6 months after August 20, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-14-07), do one of the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) Use the onboard data load function (ODLF) to install FCM Block Point 3 software (including FCM operational program software (OPS), FCM loadable diagnostic information (LDI) database (DB) software, and FCM air data reference function (ADRF) DB software), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, Issue 002, dated February 12, 2015. (2) Use the ODLF to install FCM Block Point 4 software (including FCM OPS, FCM LDI DB software, FCM ADRF DB software, and central maintenance computer function (CMCF) LDI DB software), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270023-00, Issue 001, dated July 24, 2014. (3) Install any later FAA-approved FCM software version using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (s) of this AD.

This AD was prompted by deficiencies in the FCM software, including reports that, in certain weather conditions, erroneous low airspeed data may be displayed to the flightcrew before detection and annunciation via engine-indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) messages, a report indicating that all three FCMs might simultaneously reset if continuously powered on for 22 days, and one report of unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew. The FAA is issuing this AD to address deficiencies in the FCM software that could prevent continued safe flight and landing; to prevent unrealistic, sudden drops in displayed airspeed at high actual airspeed, which could lead to pilot control inputs that could exceed the structural capability of the airplane; to prevent simultaneous resets of all three FCMs, which could result in flight control surfaces not moving in response to flight crew inputs for a short time and consequent temporary loss of controllability; and to address potential unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew, which can result in adverse handling characteristics of the aircraft.

This AD replaces the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) AD 2015-14-07, Amendment 39-18205 (80 FR 42014, July 16, 2015) (“AD 2015-14-07”). (2) AD 2016-07-10, Amendment 39-18455 (81 FR 18741, April 1, 2016) (“AD 2016-07-10”). (3) AD 2016-24-09, Amendment 39-18726 (81 FR 86912, December 2, 2016) (“AD 2016-24-09”).