FAA Orders Thicker Cables After Boeing 787 Altimeter Concerns
Published Date: 11/9/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with Boeing 787 planes, listen up! The FAA found that some radio altimeters might give wonky readings during landing, which isn’t safe. So, by December 14, 2026, airlines need to swap out certain cables with thicker ones to keep flights smooth and safe—no surprise costs mentioned, just safer skies ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators must replace radio‑altimeter cables
If you operate Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, or 787-10 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB340062-00 RB, Issue 001 (dated December 23, 2024), you must replace the left and right low‑range radio altimeter (LRRA) transmit and receive coaxial cables with larger gauge Type 0J coaxial cables. The FAA estimates the work as 31 work‑hours at $85 per hour plus $15,170 in parts, for an estimated cost per airplane of $17,805 and a U.S. fleet cost of $3,009,045 for 169 affected U.S.-registered airplanes.
Fixes unreliable altimeter outputs to improve safety
The AD addresses reports that low‑range radio altimeters can produce non‑computed data (NCD) outputs at low altitudes during approach and landing, which could make altimeter readings unreliable. The FAA states the unsafe condition, if not fixed, could result in loss of continued safe flight and landing, and issued this AD to correct that condition.
Five‑year compliance window and extension process
The FAA indicates operators have up to a 5‑year compliance period to accomplish the required cable installations and retained the AD effective date of December 14, 2026. If operators need more time, they may request an extension through the AD's Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) process by submitting data to substantiate an acceptable new compliance time.
Manufacturer warranty may reduce operator costs
The FAA notes that, according to the manufacturer, some or all costs to comply with this AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the cost impact on affected operators.
AD does not ground affected airplanes
The FAA states this AD does not prohibit operations of the affected airplanes, so operators may continue to fly aircraft while planning and performing the required replacements within the AD's compliance times. The FAA also declined a request to limit operations to only routes with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
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