EASA AD 2022-0114: Communications — Cockpit Voice Recorder — Replacement

What to do

Affected stakeholders should contact their responsible military airworthiness authority to obtain the applicable AD for the Airbus A400M. They should monitor updates from their military authority and the Certification and Qualification Committee (CQC) for any recommendations or mandatory actions related to the cockpit voice recorder replacement. No specific compliance deadlines are provided in this document.

Summary

The document titled Communications — Cockpit Voice Recorder — Replacement is an explanatory statement issued by EASA regarding the absence of an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Airbus A400M aircraft in civil service. It clarifies that no public AD exists because the Airbus A400M is currently not operated in civil aviation, and the document serves as an informational record for military authorities and design approval holders. The actual legally binding ADs for the Airbus A400M are issued by the respective military authorities depending on the country of registration.

What changed

This document introduces an informational Airworthiness Directive record (ADR) rather than a formal AD, highlighting that the AD content is a recommendation for military authorities to issue their own legally valid ADs. It does not impose new requirements but provides guidance on the cockpit voice recorder replacement for the Airbus A400M.

Why it matters

This matters for aviation professionals involved with the Airbus A400M because it clarifies the regulatory framework for this military aircraft, emphasizing that compliance is governed by military authorities rather than EASA. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must coordinate with their respective military authorities to obtain and comply with applicable ADs, ensuring continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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