FAA Locks Down Airplane Wi-Fi Against Cyber Intruders
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Universal Avionics is upgrading some airplanes with new digital systems that connect to outside networks like the internet and wireless devices. Because this is a fresh and different setup, extra safety rules are needed to keep everything secure from hackers or unauthorized access. These special conditions make sure the new tech is just as safe as older systems, affecting operators who install these upgrades soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators Face New Security Rules
If you operate or install Universal Avionics' upgrade on certain transport-category airplanes under a supplemental type certificate (STC), you must meet additional safety standards to protect airplane electronic systems from unauthorized external access. The rule covers connectivity to operator networks, wireless devices, internet connectivity, service-provider satellite communications, and electronic flight bags and requires steps so the new networked systems are as safe as existing systems.
STC Applicants Must Meet Standards
Universal Avionics and any applicant for the supplemental type certificate to install this digital systems architecture must satisfy extra safety standards because existing airworthiness regulations do not address this novel design feature. The FAA issued these special conditions to ensure increased connectivity to external networks does not allow unauthorized access to previously isolated airplane electronic assets.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in