EASA AD US-2024-04-09
Instruments - Wing Anti-Ice Valve / Autothrottle - Software Installation
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2024-04-09 issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addresses certain Boeing 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300, 777-300ER, and 777F series airplanes. It mandates software installation and configuration checks to resolve wing anti-ice valve failures and autothrottle disconnection issues that could compromise flight safety. The directive targets software updates to improve low-speed protection and response to unreliable airspeed events.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires installation of Boeing AIMS-2 BP Version 17C software or later approved versions and performing software configuration checks. It introduces measures to prevent undetected wing anti-ice valve failures that can damage leading edge slats and addresses autothrottle failures that may cause low-speed conditions during go-arounds. The directive also mandates updates to enhance low-speed protection and flightcrew response to unreliable airspeed events.
Why It Matters
Compliance with this directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure continued airworthiness and safe operation of affected Boeing 777 aircraft. The software updates mitigate risks of structural damage and flight control issues that could lead to loss of control or controlled flight into terrain. Meeting these requirements helps avoid costly incidents and ensures regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 777 models must install the specified AIMS-2 BP Version 17C software or later approved versions and conduct the required software configuration checks. The compliance deadline for these actions is April 23, 2027, three years after the directive's effective date. Requests for compliance time extensions may be submitted with sufficient safety data for FAA approval.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.