FAA Mandates Boeing 777 Connector Checks to Boost Airplane Safety
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate Boeing 777 airplanes, listen up! The FAA found more connectors that need fixing to keep flights safe, so they’re updating the rules. Starting January 2, 2026, you’ll need to check, test, or replace certain parts and stop using any faulty ones—this helps prevent problems and keeps everyone flying worry-free.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Applies to Boeing 777 Operators
Starting January 2, 2026, this rule applies to all Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes. The AD supersedes AD 2022-15-06 and is intended to address an unsafe condition involving certain transorb modules and connectors.
Inspect and Replace/Test Transorb Modules
For airplanes certificated on or before the AD effective date, inspect (or review records) within 24 months to determine if transorb modules part numbers CLPT-12SP-06, CLPT-12SP-07, or CLPT-12SP-67 are installed. If any of those part numbers are found, you must replace or test the affected transorb modules and do applicable on-condition actions in accordance with Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-27A0125 RB, dated February 3, 2023.
FAA Cost Estimates for U.S. Fleet
The FAA estimates this AD affects 312 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated costs: $255 per airplane to disconnect/cap/stow (retained action), $255 per airplane for the additional disconnect action, and up to $3,923 per airplane (up to $255 labor plus up to $3,668 parts) to determine, test, or replace affected transorb modules; the FAA totals the latter at up to $1,223,976 across U.S. operators.
Disconnect, Cap, and Stow Connectors
For airplanes certificated on or before the AD effective date, you must disconnect, cap, and stow wires on specified transorb-module connectors: W7314/D02006P and W7579/D02005P per paragraph (g), and W6313/D02098P or W7314/D02099P per paragraph (h). The disconnect actions must be done at the later of before 75,000 total flight hours or 23,000 total flight cycles, or within 3 months after the applicable effective dates listed in the AD.
Replacement Terminates Earlier Actions
If you do the replacement required by the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-27A0125 RB (dated February 3, 2023), that replacement terminates the AD requirements to disconnect/cap/stow the connectors specified in paragraphs (g) and (h).
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21476 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you own or operate certain Airbus A319, A320, or A321 planes, the FAA has updated safety rules to keep you flying safe. They’re adding regular checks for cracks in key parts of the plane and fixing them if needed, starting January 2, 2026. These inspections might cost some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems down the runway.
Next: 2025-21478 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Starting January 2, 2026, all Boeing 717-200 airplanes must get regular checks on a part called the upper lock link assembly to prevent landing gear problems. This rule comes after a scary incident where the nose gear failed during landing. Airlines will need to inspect and fix this part as needed to keep flights safe and smooth.