FAA Orders Fix for Rogue Altitude-Changing Boeing Panels
Published Date: 6/15/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is requiring certain Boeing 787 airplanes to get their mode control panels (MCP) replaced and tested because the old ones could change altitude settings on their own—definitely not cool when flying! This fix starts July 20, 2026, and helps keep flights safe and smooth. Airlines will need to update their planes soon, which might cost some time and money but is totally worth it for safer skies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory MCP replacement on Boeing 787s
The FAA requires certain Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes to have their mode control panel (MCP) replaced and an installation test performed. The replacement changes MCP part numbers 4091640-901/ -902/ -903 to MCP P/N 4091640-904 and follows Boeing bulletin dated April 22, 2025; the AD is effective July 20, 2026.
Up to $405,170 cost per airplane
The FAA estimates the MCP replacement and installation test will cost up to $405,170 per airplane (labor: 2 work-hours at $85/hour = $170; parts: up to $405,000). The rule affects 163 U.S.-registered airplanes and the aggregate estimated cost on U.S. operators is up to $66,042,710.
Small-entity economic impact: one small operator affected
In the FAA's Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis, the AD affects 4 entities (134 airplanes in that analysis) and the FAA identified 1 small entity in NAICS 523910 that would be affected. The FAA estimates that the affected small entity could incur up to $405,170 in compliance cost, which the FAA reports as 21.1% of that entity's $1,920,000 annual revenue.
Warranty may reduce operator costs
The MCP manufacturer (Honeywell) stated that some or all retrofit costs to P/N 4091640-904 may be covered under warranty, so operators who have parts retrofitted may avoid buying a new replacement part.
No downtime expected; work during scheduled maintenance
The FAA determined the MCP replacement and test can be done during regularly scheduled maintenance and therefore will not trigger downtime costs for operators. The FAA used this assumption in its cost analysis and regulatory findings.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-15370, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector ducts. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results, replacing any affected ejector duct. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-15455, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes modified by a certain supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by a finding that, for airplanes with a flightcrew oxygen system supplied by a single oxygen cylinder, the oxygen supply would not be sufficient under all circumstances for extended operations (ETOPS) with a maximum diversion time of 180 minutes (ETOPS-180) with four flightcrew members. This AD requires revising the existing Airplane Flight Manual Supplement (AFM-S) to limit ETOPS-180 operations to three flightcrew members, as applicable, and correct minimum oxygen dispatch pressure information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-15412, Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11973, Implementing Regulation for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Environmental Effects of the Department of Veterans Affairs Actions
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating how it checks the environmental impact of its projects to be faster, clearer, and more in line with new laws passed since 1989. This change affects VA staff and veterans by improving planning and making sure VA actions protect the environment while delivering care. The new rules start June 15, 2026, and the VA welcomes feedback until July 15, 2026.
Next: 2026-11975, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or fix Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes, listen up! The FAA found some flight control parts got stressed too much during testing, so they’re making airlines swap out those parts for safer ones. This rule kicks in July 20, 2026, to keep flights safe without breaking the bank.