FAA Cancels Boeing 787 Safety Rule Fix Wasn't Good Enough
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is canceling a planned safety rule for certain Boeing 787 airplanes after finding the fix might not fully solve the water leak problem affecting electronics. This means no new inspections or part bans will happen right now, and Boeing 787-10 planes stay included in future checks. Owners and operators can breathe easy for now, but stay tuned for updates that might bring new safety steps.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Planned Boeing 787 Inspections Withdrawn
On February 4, 2025, the FAA withdrew the July 15, 2024 proposed rule that would have added inspections and banned certain parts on some Boeing 787-8/9/10 airplanes. That means, for now, no new inspection requirements or part-installation prohibitions from that proposed rule take effect.
Model 787-10 Will Be Included Later
The FAA and Boeing say Model 787-10 airplanes should be included in upcoming rulemaking and inspections. Boeing expects to issue a revised service bulletin in mid-2025, and the FAA is considering additional rulemaking that would include those airplanes.
Existing AD 2023-08-04 Still Applies
The FAA withdrew the proposed replacement rule but stated that Airworthiness Directive 2023-08-04 (Amendment 39-22419, May 25, 2023) remains in effect unless later superseded. Operators must continue to meet the requirements of AD 2023-08-04 until any new AD is issued.
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