EASA AD US-2024-16-14
Equipment/Furnishings - Captain's and First Officer's Seats - Inspection
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2024-16-14 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. It mandates inspections and corrective actions for the Captain's and First Officer's seats due to reports of uncommanded horizontal seat movement that can cause rapid descent and passenger injuries. The directive includes inspection of rocker switch caps and switch cover assemblies, functional tests, marking, and limits on seat installation.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections for missing or cracked rocker switch caps and cracked or nonfunctional switch cover assemblies on affected Boeing 787 seats. It requires a rocker switch cap pull test, bonding or replacement of defective parts, marking of seats, and restricts installation of affected seats. The directive also incorporates Ipeco Service Bulletin 380-25-06, Issue 03, dated July 17, 2024, as the compliance reference.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because uncommanded seat movement can lead to abrupt flight control inputs, causing rapid descent and serious injuries. Operators, maintenance, and compliance teams must address this unsafe condition promptly to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in operational disruptions and increased risk to crew and passengers.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes must perform the required inspections and tests of the Captain's and First Officer's seats as specified in the directive and Ipeco Service Bulletin 380-25-06. Any defective rocker switch caps or switch cover assemblies must be repaired or replaced, and seats must be marked accordingly. Compliance with this AD is mandatory by August 21, 2024, and comments on the rule must be submitted by October 7, 2024.