Approved Onboard Wi-Fi Has Potential To Interfere With Older Displays In 737, 777 Airplanes

The FAA is considering mandating the replacement of some older Honeywell PFD and MFD devices installed in Boeing 737 and 777 aircraft due to a potential interference problem with certified onboard Wi-Fi systems.

The move comes as the agency is also considering relaxing rules that currently prohibit use of electronic devices below 10,000 feet.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the interference potential has been acknowledged by both Boeing and Honeywell following laboratory tests conducted in conjunction with GoGo, which manufactures onboard Wi-Fi systems. The interference, which can cause the displays to temporarily flicker or blank out entirely, has not been reported on any actual flights, but has been replicated in tests.

Boeing and Honeywell have installed cockpit displays with enhanced shielding in newer aircraft, and have recommended replacement of older models on a voluntary basis, though the entire fleet has not been updated. Now, the FAA is reportedly considering a mandate to replace the devices in a draft document that was made public Monday.

The draft document reportedly gives airlines a five-year time frame to replace the devices. The final report is expected to be released by the end of the month.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.boeing.com, www.honeywell.com