Rule2026-22817
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 9, 2026
Effective
December 14, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the low range radio altimeter (LRRA) system has an increased rate of non-computed data (NCD) outputs at low altitudes during approach and landing, which could cause unreliable altimeter function. This AD requires replacing the left and right LRRA transmit and receive coaxial cables with larger gauge coaxial cables. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70774-70776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22817]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-1335; Project Identifier AD-2025-00825-T;
Amendment 39-23511; AD 2026-22-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports that the low range radio altimeter
(LRRA) system has an increased rate of non-computed data (NCD) outputs
at low altitudes during approach and landing, which could cause
unreliable altimeter function. This AD requires replacing the left and
right LRRA transmit and receive coaxial cables with larger gauge
coaxial cables. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 14, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 14,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-1335; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-1335.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Carreras, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3539; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#56102437383d7815372424332437251630373778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffb98d9e9194d1bc9e8d8d9a8d9e8cbf999e9ed1989089">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing
Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on February 24, 2026 (91 FR 8794).
The NPRM was prompted by reports that the LRRA system has an increased
rate of NCD outputs at low altitudes during approach and landing, which
could cause unreliable altimeter function. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require replacing the left and right LRRA transmit and
receive coaxial cables with larger gauge coaxial cables. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address unreliable data output or in-service
disruptions of LRRA functions. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and Boeing who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from seven commenters,
including Air Canada, American Airlines (American), EVA Air, the
Foundation for Aviation Safety, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines
(United), and an anonymous commenter. The following presents those
comments and the FAA's response.
Request To Reference Revised Service Information
Air Canada and United requested the FAA revise the proposed AD to
specify that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00,
Issue 002, dated August 11, 2025 (Issue 002 of the Service Bulletin)
may be used to accomplish the proposed actions. United noted that Issue
002 of the Service Bulletin corrects the required material kits and
consumables and updates the installation instructions.
EVA Air requested that the FAA confirm accomplishment of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue 002, dated
August 11, 2025 (Issue 002 of the Requirements Bulletin), is acceptable
for compliance with the proposed AD. EVA stated it identified multiple
deviations and practical implementation issues with Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
December 23, 2024 (Issue 001 of the Requirements Bulletin).
Turkish Airlines requested that the FAA revise the applicability of
the proposed AD to reference Issue 002 of the Requirements Bulletin.
Turkish Airlines stated that, due to technical problems in Issue 001 of
the Requirements Bulletin, it accomplished some actions using Issue 001
along with approved repair data, and continued implementation using
Issue 002 of the Requirements Bulletin.
The FAA agrees that Issue 002 of the Service Bulletin may be used
for accomplishing the actions required by
[[Page 70775]]
this AD. Tables 1 and 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Issue 001
of the Requirements Bulletin refer to Issue 001 of the Service Bulletin
or ``later approved issues'' as accepted procedures. Further, the FAA
reviewed Issue 002 of the Service Bulletin, which updates work
instructions for Group 4 airplanes, revises task tables and
illustrations, and updates industry support information without
expanding the scope of the AD. Therefore, operators may use the
procedures in Issue 002 of the Service Bulletin for compliance with
requirements of this AD. The FAA has determined no change to this AD is
necessary in regard to Air Canada's and United's requests.
The FAA disagrees with EVA Air's and Turkish Airline's requests.
Changes in Issue 002 of the Service Bulletin do not affect the required
for compliance (RC) steps in Issue 001 of the Requirements Bulletin.
Therefore, Boeing has not released Issue 002 of the Requirements
Bulletin. However, as noted in the previous paragraph, later approved
issues of the service bulletin provide accepted procedures, and this
meets the intent of the requests from EVA Air and Turkish Airlines.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
American, Turkish Airlines, and an anonymous commenter requested
that the FAA extend the compliance time of the proposed AD. American
stated that Boeing quoted a lead time exceeding 500 days for the
required cables, which would shorten the available time to accomplish
the proposed requirements. Turkish Airlines stated that it shared its
kit needs with Boeing in March 2025 but continued to experience kit
supply problems. The anonymous commenter stated that moving the
compliance date slightly after the effective date of the final rule
would allow operators adequate time to incorporate the required
modifications into scheduled maintenance cycles without unnecessary
operational disruption.
The FAA disagrees with extending the compliance time. In developing
an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered the
recommendations of the manufacturer, the urgency associated with the
subject unsafe condition, the availability of required parts, and the
practical aspect of accomplishing the required modification within a
period of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for
most affected operators. Further, the FAA has determined that operators
have sufficient time within the 5-year compliance period to accomplish
the required coaxial cable installation. However, under the provisions
of paragraph (i) of this AD, the FAA will consider requests for
approval of an extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are
submitted to substantiate that the new compliance time would provide an
acceptable level of safety. The FAA has not changed this AD in regard
to this comment.
Request To Reduce Compliance Time
The Foundation for Aviation Safety noted that the unsafe condition
is critical and questioned whether it is necessary to allow up to five
years to accomplish the proposed actions that are estimated to take
approximately 28 hours.
As discussed in the previous comment, the FAA has determined that
the compliance time, as proposed, represents an appropriate amount of
time in which the required actions can be performed in a timely manner
within the affected fleet while still maintaining an adequate level of
safety. The FAA has not changed this AD in regard to this comment.
Request To Allow Continued Operation Under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
An anonymous commenter requested that the FAA consider permitting
continued operation of affected airplanes on routes where both the
departure and arrival airports are forecasted to maintain VFR
conditions, since pilots operating under VFR rely primarily on visual
references rather than sole dependence on radio altimeter data during
approach and landing. The commenter stated this approach would maintain
safety objectives while minimizing economic and scheduling impacts on
operators and passengers during the transition period.
The FAA disagrees because the FAA has determined that LRRA coaxial
cables must be replaced to address the unsafe condition. The LRRA is
needed for everyday operations including continued operation of
affected aircraft on routes where both departure and arrival airports
are forecast to maintain VFR conditions. Further, this AD does not
prohibit operations of the affected airplanes. The FAA has not changed
this AD in regard to this comment.
Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule
Issue 002 of the Service Bulletin includes an update to the
estimated work-hours. Therefore, the FAA has revised the Costs of
Compliance section in this final rule.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 23, 2024. This material
specifies procedures for replacing the existing left and right BMS13-65
Type 0G LRRA transmit and receive coaxial cables with larger gauge Type
0J coaxial cables. This material is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 169 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replacement........................... 31 work-hours x $85 per $15,170 $17,805 $3,009,045
hour = $2,635.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-22-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23511; Docket No. FAA-
2026-1335; Project Identifier AD-2025-00825-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 14,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and
787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue
001, dated December 23, 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that the low range radio
altimeter (LRRA) system has an increased rate of non-computed data
(NCD) outputs at low altitudes during approach and landing. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address unreliable data output or in-service
disruptions of LRRA functions. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of continued safe flight and
landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated December 23, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated December 23, 2024.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB340062-00, Issue 01, dated December 23, 2024, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 23, 2024.
(h) Exception to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 23, 2024, refer to
the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00
RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or
responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the Continued Operational
Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e5f53515d5e787f7f30797168"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="13525e5c50537572723d747c65">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation,
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Frank Carreras,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3539; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#551327343b3e7b1634272730273426153334347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6f0c4d7d8dd98f5d7c4c4d3c4d7c5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00
RB, Issue 001, dated December 23, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1c7d38fc8cfd2d1c4c2d5c8cecfe1cfc0d3c08fc6ced7">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 27, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22817 Filed 11-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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