737-8

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered Boeing to make certain enhancements to the technology features aboard its 737 aircraft to prevent access by unauthorised sources.

The special conditions are applicable for Boeing 737-700, 700C, 800, -900ER, 7, 8, and 9 variants, which incorporate a novel design associated with connectivity of the passenger service computer systems to the aircraft critical systems and data networks.

The network architecture and network configuration may be used for flight safety related control, communication, and navigation systems; operation and administrative support; passenger information and entertainment systems.

FAA said that the applicable airworthiness regulations do not have appropriate safety standards for the design.

"This may allow the exploitation of network security vulnerabilities resulting in intentional or unintentional destruction, disruption, degradation, or exploitation of data and systems critical to the safety and maintenance of the airplane, which could result in unsafe conditions for the airplane and its occupants," the agency stated.

"Special conditions are one way regulators and manufacturers work together to ensure that commercial airplanes are safe and secure."

A Boeing spokesman Doug Alder was quoted by USA Today as saying that the special conditions will put in place actions that the manufacturer has already taken or planned with similar protections for the 747-8, 777 and 787 models.

"They are a normal part of the process for introducing new technology or design features not previously addressed by regulation," Alder said.

"Special conditions are one way regulators and manufacturers work together to ensure that commercial airplanes are safe and secure."

The special conditions issued as part of the type certification basis for the mentioned variants, require the applicant to ensure the design provides isolation from access by unauthorised sources internal to the airplane.

In addition, the applicant should set up procedures to ensure that continued airworthiness of the airplane is maintained, including all post type certification modifications that could have an impact on the approved electronic system security safeguards.

Image: The special conditions are applicable for Boeing 737-700, 700C, 800, 900ER, 7, 8, and 9 variants. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology