FAA Orders Airlines to Replace Pilot Display to Prevent Blank Out

The Federal Aviation Administration is asking airlines to replace cockpit displays on over 1,300 Boeing jets in order to avoid wi-fi interference. Tests conducted by Boeing and third party research groups showed that some of the displays blank out when wi-fi devices come near them. The display units were made by Honeywell International and are used on Boeing's 737 and 777 airplanes. According to the FAA, the replacement will be ongoing and finish within five years. Honeywell said it's not aware of any display blankouts while the plane is in the air. Its spokesman Steve Brecken said, 'The only known occurrence was during a developmental test conducted on the ground. We addressed any concerns in 2012 with new display hardware.' Airlines have asked the FAA to delay the replacement order, but the FAA said it doesn't want to wait any longer because the lack of display could lead to air traffic disasters during take-offs and landings.