EASA AD US-2020-04-19: Auto Flight - Mode Control Panel - Replacement | RegNotify

Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2020-04-19

Auto Flight - Mode Control Panel - Replacement

Published: Mar 19, 2020
Effective: Apr 21, 2020
Deadline: Apr 21, 2025
Replaces: 2017-15-01

Boeing 777 200 200LR 300 300ER

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators must comply with the MCP replacement or installation of later-approved parts within 60 months after the effective date, April 21, 2020. For airplanes not previously identified, a general visual inspection or records review to determine MCP part number is required within the same timeframe, followed by replacement if affected parts are found. Installation of prohibited MCP part numbers is forbidden from the effective date onward.

Summary

Airworthiness Directive 2020-04-19 is a final rule issued by the FAA addressing The Boeing Company Model 777 series airplanes, including 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F. It mandates replacement of certain mode control panels (MCP) with updated parts to prevent uncommanded altitude changes. This directive expands the applicability of the previous AD 2017-15-01 and adds new inspection and replacement requirements.

What changed

This AD supersedes AD 2017-15-01 by expanding the affected airplane models and adding a new requirement to inspect and identify MCP part numbers on airplanes not previously covered. It retains the original MCP replacement requirement but updates compliance language and prohibits installation of certain MCP part numbers. The directive also introduces a parts installation prohibition for specific MCP part numbers.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals because uncommanded changes to the MCP selected altitude can lead to incorrect spatial separation, increasing the risk of midair collisions or controlled flight into terrain. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain flight safety and regulatory adherence. The expanded applicability means more aircraft require inspection and possible MCP replacement, impacting maintenance planning and costs.

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