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> The remedy for the A350-941 problem is straightforward according to the AD: install Airbus software updates for a permanent cure, or switch the aeroplane off
by danso 7y ago
> The remedy for the A350-941 problem is straightforward according to the AD: install Airbus software updates for a permanent cure, or switch the aeroplane off and on again.
The subhed and the above graf say it's as straightforward to fix as installing Airbus software patches. But I assume this process is not as streamlined or convenient as iOS or Tesla OTA auto-updates. Anyone have insight to what installing patches on an airliner entails? I'm assuming it involves more downtime than powering down and restarting, if that's the current status quo.
- dijit 7y agoThe problem isn’t the update itself, which is actually straightforward. It’s the fact that as soon as you modify the software you must do a c check on the craft. Which is a horribly long process, around 6,000 man-hours and puts the aircraft out of commission for a few weeks.
- PunchTornado 7y agogood. I don't want someone to update the software and next day send it in a commercial flight.
- londons_explore 7y agoI do. As long as the hardware has been tested, and the software update tested on different hardware, then as long as the test hardware and my hardware are nominally the same, and as long as the software has basic "self test the basics of every component on startup", then I don't see a reason to do more tests.
- logiclogic 7y agoSounds like a reboot is a better option then.
- danso 7y agoThat amount of friction is...strangely reassuring. Is there criteria that defines what kind of software update triggers this process? Or is it required with any update, no matter how small? Though if it's the latter, I'm guessing that incentivizes manufacturers to never send out small or trivial updates.
- mtgx 7y agoSounds better than silicon valley's "move fast and break things", which would be more like "...and kill people" here.
- Nokinside 7y agoTo my knowledge all upgradeable software is treated exactly like a new part. Upgrade must be certified, and is visible in part databases with part number. There must be a chain of trust. If it's a field upgradeable part, it's delivered in flash drives. If it's something more fundamental, they take the aviation computer out and update the EEPROM. Certifying a upgrade is the hard part.
- londons_explore 7y agoOnce an upgrade is certified though, does it need to be recertified on every plane?