# 2026-22817: FAA Orders Thicker Cables After Boeing 787 Altimeter Concerns

2026-22817, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-11-09, effective 2026-12-14; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22817
- As of: 2026-11-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-22817
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 70774
- Published: 2026-11-09
- Effective: 2026-12-14
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-11-11

## In one line

FAA Orders Thicker Cables After Boeing 787 Altimeter Concerns

## 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!

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the low range radio altimeter (LRRA) system has an increased rate of non-computed data (NCD) outputs at low altitudes during approach and landing, which could cause unreliable altimeter function. This AD requires replacing the left and right LRRA transmit and receive coaxial cables with larger gauge coaxial cables. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- Operators must replace radio‑altimeter cables: cost, high. 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 T…
- Fixes unreliable altimeter outputs to improve safety: benefit, high. 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 lan…
- Five‑year compliance window and extension process: benefit, low. 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 su…
- Manufacturer warranty may reduce operator costs: benefit, low. 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: benefit, low. 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 ru…

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## Sources
- [2026-22817 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/09/2026-22817/airworthiness-directives-the-boeing-company-airplanes)
- [2026-22817 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-11-09/pdf/2026-22817.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-22793, Extension of the Suspension of Expansion of End-User Controls for Affiliates of…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22793)
- [Next: 2026-22830, Amendment of Class D and Establishment of Class E Airspace; Chandler and Phoeni…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22830)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22817 (as of 2026-11-11).
