Boeing faces a potential airworthiness directive from the FAA affecting 165 Boeing 787 variants (787-8, 787-9, 787-10) due to uncommanded altitude changes linked to the Mode Control Panel (MCP). Published on November 17, the directive mandates replacing MCP components (part numbers 4091640-901, 902, 903) with updated versions, including tests to ensure compliance. This action originates from software and hardware issues that caused alarming altitude drops in two incidents: LATAM Flight 800 and United Airlines Flight 613, resulting in multiple passenger injuries and emergency responses. The replacement process is estimated to take about two hours per aircraft at approximately $85 per hour, with parts potentially covered by Honeywell International Inc.’s warranty. Currently, 1,098 Dreamliners are active, and while the economic impact is low, operators must adhere to the compliance measures unless already fulfilled. The directive does not affect other Boeing aircraft models.
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