On 17 March, the FAA adopted an immediate airworthiness directive that requires installation of new software for the autopilot flight director computers on Boeing 777-200/-200ER/-300/- 300ER/ and 777F-series aircraft.

The directive, which came into effect 1 April is aimed at preventing the inadvertent engagement of the autopilot during takeoff roll—an action which could result in rejected takeoff at rotation speed and increase the risk of a runway overrun. The directive is also designed to prevent a lowe rthan optimal climb gradient during takeoff, which could result in failure to clear obstacles on the ground during a performance-limited situation, such as a one-engine takeoff.