EASA AD US-2020-22-10
Equipment / Furnishings - Foam Insulation on the Dripshield & Overhead Panel Support Structure - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2020-22-10 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing certain Boeing 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. It mandates inspections and potential replacement of Boeing Material Specification 8-39 flexible urethane foam insulation on the dripshield and overhead panel support structure in the flight compartment. This directive aims to mitigate fire risks associated with foam degradation in these areas.
What Changed
This directive supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2018-14-02 and continues the required inspections and replacements of foam insulation. It introduces additional inspection requirements for certain airplanes to identify and replace foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure if necessary. Minor editorial changes were made without increasing the burden on operators.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because degraded foam insulation poses a fire hazard that could lead to loss of airplane control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent potential uncontrolled fires below the passenger compartment floor, especially in areas not covered by existing smoke detection or fire protection systems. Compliance helps maintain aircraft safety and regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 777 models must perform inspections and replace foam insulation as specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020. Compliance with these actions is mandatory by January 14, 2021, the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive. Alternative methods of compliance may be requested through the FAA's Seattle ACO Branch following established procedures.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.