Federal Register #2026-10855

FAA Special Conditions for Honeywell's Digital System Modification of Boeing 757-200 and Airworthiness Directive for Embraer EMB 505

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued special regulatory conditions for Honeywell International Inc.'s modification of Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors: - Honeywell International Inc. (responsible for the digital systems architecture modification) - Boeing (manufacturer of the 757-200 series airplanes) - Embraer (manufacturer of EMB 505 airplanes, subject to a separate airworthiness directive) - Products/Services Requested: - Installation of a digital systems architecture on Boeing 757-200 series airplanes (Type Certificate No. A2NM) - Enables increased connectivity to external network sources, including operator networks, wireless devices, internet, satellite communications, and electronic flight bags - Inspection and replacement of horizontal stabilizer components on Embraer Model EMB 505 airplanes - Includes inspection of stabilizer backlash and replacement of hinge point, pitch trim actuator attachment parts, and pitch trim actuator as needed - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Honeywell must identify and assess electronic system security threats and implement effective protection strategies to prevent unauthorized access, including during maintenance - Operators must be provided with instructions to maintain electronic system safeguards and airworthiness - FAA's special conditions address safety and security vulnerabilities introduced by increased digital connectivity - Airworthiness directive for Embraer EMB 505 addresses potential unsafe conditions in horizontal stabilizer components - No specific procurement of products, part numbers, or purchase quantities is listed; this is a regulatory notice establishing safety and security requirements for novel aircraft modifications.

Description

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes modified by Honeywell International Inc. The modification involves the installation of a digital systems architecture that increases connectivity to and access from external network sources to the airplane's previously isolated electronic assets. The current airworthiness regulations do not adequately address safety standards for this novel design feature. These special conditions establish additional safety standards to ensure a level of safety equivalent to existing standards, focusing on protection from unauthorized external access to the electronic systems.

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