EASA publishes 787 airworthiness directive

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published (26-Jul-2013) an airworthiness directive mandating the inspection or removal of the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Initial examination of the fire-affected area revealed that the greatest heat damage was centred on the upper portion of the rear fuselage, which coincides with the location of the fixed ELT and its associated system wiring. Initial technical findings of the accident investigations have resulted in the conclusion that the ELT may have initiated or contributed to the event. Discrepancies within the ELT, if not corrected, could cause a fire in the aft crown of the airplane. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to overheating of the affected area and/or internal component failure of the ELT, which could ultimately result in smoke and/or fire in the passenger cabin. European operators of the type are required to either remove or inspect the Honeywell-manufactured ELT, and take corrective actions if necessary. This directive is an interim measure to prevent any unsafe condition. EASA continues to monitor the situation closely. The EASA required the following actions:

• Inspect the battery of the ELT within 10 days;
  If any discrepancy is detected replace the fixed Honeywell ELT with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of
  Boeing before next flight;
• As an alternative to the above actions, the fixed ELT might be removed from the aircraft. [more - original PR]