EASA AD US-2023-19-09
Auto Flight - Airplane Flight Manual Revision - Flight Control Module Software Update
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2023-19-09 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. It mandates updates to the airplane flight manual and installation of updated flight control module software to correct unsafe conditions related to autopilot flight director system transitions and misleading vertical flight director guidance during approach.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2020-24-04 by continuing the previously required airplane flight manual revisions and adding a requirement to install updated flight control module software (CBP 5.1 OPS). The updated software installation terminates the need for the AFM revisions. It also clarifies applicability for certain production line numbers and provides credit for prior accomplishment of related Boeing service bulletins.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses critical safety issues where the autopilot flight director system may fail to properly capture the localizer beam or present misleading vertical guidance, potentially leading to controlled flight into terrain or runway overruns. Compliance ensures operators mitigate these risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and enhance flight safety for Boeing 787 operators.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 787 models must revise the airplane flight manual as previously required unless the updated flight control module software is installed. They must install the specified software update by November 6, 2023, to terminate the AFM revision requirement. Compliance includes verifying software versions and following Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletins as referenced.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.