EASA AD 2016-0046-CN
CANCELLED: Auto Flight — Auto Pilot and Yaw Damper — Operational Limitations / CANCELLED: Aircraft Flight Manual — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0046-CN is a cancellation notice issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-212A aeroplanes equipped with the New Avionics Suite Standard 2. This document cancels the previous AD 2016-0046 which imposed operational limitations on the autopilot and yaw damper systems and required amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual. The cancellation reflects that the unsafe condition addressed by the original AD is no longer applicable to the current fleet or has already been mitigated.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0046-CN officially cancels the earlier AD 2016-0046 issued in 2016. The cancellation is based on updated information showing that only one in-service aircraft is affected and already compliant, while the rest of the fleet either is not affected or uses newer avionics versions not subject to the original unsafe condition. Consequently, no further operational restrictions or manual amendments are required.
Why It Matters
This cancellation is important for operators and maintenance teams as it removes previously mandated operational limitations on the autopilot and yaw damper systems for ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft with NAS Standard 2.0. It confirms that the risk of loss of control due to yaw damper/autopilot behavior in single source operation at low airspeed has been effectively addressed or is no longer relevant. Compliance teams can update their regulatory records accordingly, reducing administrative and operational burdens.
What To Do
Affected operators and maintenance organizations do not need to take any further action regarding the previously required Aircraft Flight Manual amendments or operational restrictions related to AD 2016-0046. They should ensure that their aircraft remain compliant with the current approved manuals and monitor any future EASA communications. No compliance deadlines apply as this is a cancellation notice.