Boeing fleet gets FAA-ordered software fix for reset glitches
Published Date: 2/10/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Boeing planes like the 737, 747, 757, 767, MD-11, or 777, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a glitch that caused some airplane systems to reset unexpectedly. Starting March 17, 2025, affected planes must update their software and manuals to keep flights safe—no costly delays, just smoother skies ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Required MMR software install within 12 months
For affected airplanes with Collins GLU-2100 MMR P/N 822-2532-100, operators must, within 12 months after March 17, 2025, install MMR operational software (OPS) P/N COL4C-0087-0003 or a later-approved software version and perform a software configuration check, using an FAA-approved method. The FAA estimates the software installation and check costs about $435 per airplane (2 work-hours @ $85 = $170 labor plus $265 parts) and estimates 409 U.S.-registered airplanes are affected (total estimated cost $177,915 for that action across U.S. operators).
Concurrent hardware/software actions may be required
The incorporated service material specifies concurrent actions that could include replacement of MMRs, GPS antennas, and installation of additional software. The FAA estimates concurrent actions could cost up to $1,220 per airplane (5 work-hours @ $85 = $425 labor plus $795 parts) and up to $498,980 total across U.S. operators if applicable.
Which airplanes are covered
This AD applies only to Boeing airplanes on which a Collins GLU-2100 multimode receiver (MMR), part number (P/N) 822-2532-100, is installed with a software version earlier than COL4C-0087-0003. The AD lists specific affected models (e.g., certain MD-11/MD-11F, 717-200, all 737-8/737-9, many 737 Next-Generation series, certain 747-400/747-400F, certain 757/767, and all 777 series) and limits applicability to those with that MMR hardware/software configuration.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) revision required
Operators of affected airplanes must revise the existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to add specified limitations and procedures. For Model 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes this AFM revision is required before further flight; for all other affected airplanes the AFM revision was required within 7 days after February 18, 2020. The FAA estimates an AFM revision takes 1 work-hour (cost $85) per airplane.
AFM revision may be removed after software install
After you complete the required software installation and configuration check (paragraph (h) or (i)), you may remove the AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD. This provides a terminating action for the AFM limitation once updates are installed.
Credit for prior 777 actions
The AD provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (i)(3) (for certain 777-300ER and 777F actions) if those actions were done before the effective date using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-34A0385 RB, dated August 7, 2020. This recognizes earlier compliance for those operators.
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