EASA AD 2024-0219
Navigation — VOR/LOC Antenna Coupler — Operational Limitation / Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0219 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000EX aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. It addresses the VOR/LOC antenna coupler installation, which if incorrect, can cause navigation instrument errors during ILS approaches. The directive mandates inspection and operational limitations to ensure flight safety.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the VOR/LOC antenna coupler installation on affected Falcon 2000EX aircraft. It also imposes an operational limitation prohibiting CAT II and CAT III approaches until the inspection and any necessary corrective actions are completed. The directive includes instructions for removal and reinstallation if the coupler is found incorrectly installed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because incorrect installation of the VOR/LOC antenna coupler can lead to unreliable lateral deviation indications and erroneous VOR signals, which compromise navigation accuracy during instrument approaches. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure safe operation under instrument flight rules, particularly for CAT II and CAT III approaches.
What To Do
Operators of affected Falcon 2000EX aeroplanes must implement the operational limitation within 7 days of the directive's effective date, prohibiting CAT II and CAT III approaches if applicable. They must perform a detailed inspection of the VOR/LOC antenna coupler within 6 months or 600 flight hours, whichever occurs first. If the coupler is incorrectly installed, it must be removed and properly reinstalled before the next flight. After corrective actions, the operational limitation can be removed from the aircraft flight manual.