EASA AD CF-2018-36
Navigation — Flight Instruments — Unreliable Air Data in the Cockpit
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-36 titled 'Navigation — Flight Instruments — Unreliable Air Data in the Cockpit' addresses issues related to unreliable anemobarometric data in the cockpit for Bombardier Inc. aircraft models CL-600-1A11 (variant 600), CL-600-2A12 (variant 601), and CL-600-2B16 (variant 601-3A/3R) within specified serial number ranges. This directive mandates updates to the aircraft flight manuals to include emergency procedures for unreliable airspeed indications caused by high-altitude icing conditions. The directive aims to enhance flight safety by providing crews with procedures to stabilize airspeed and attitude during such events.
What Changed
CF-2018-36 introduces a mandatory modification to the approved aircraft flight manuals for affected Bombardier CL-600 series aircraft. It requires the incorporation of emergency procedures addressing unreliable airspeed indications due to anemobarometric data loss caused by high-altitude ice crystal contamination. Additionally, it mandates informing all relevant flight crews of these procedural changes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving loss of reliable airspeed data, which can compromise safe flight and landing. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent incidents related to unreliable air data. Compliance ensures crews are prepared to manage airspeed anomalies effectively, reducing the risk of accidents caused by incorrect flight instrument readings.
What To Do
Operators of affected Bombardier CL-600-1A11, CL-600-2A12, and CL-600-2B16 aircraft must update their approved aircraft flight manuals within 30 days of the directive's effective date to include the specified emergency procedures for unreliable airspeed. After updating the manuals, all flight crews must be briefed on the new procedures. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to continue flight operations legally.
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