Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD CF-2020-18R2

Indicating / Recording System — Rotorcraft Flight Manual — Prohibit the use of Map-Mode on Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side Display Units

Published: Feb 8, 2022
Effective: Feb 10, 2022
Deadline: Mar 12, 2022
Replaces: 2020-18R1

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What to do

Operators must verify if their Bell 429 helicopters have the affected Rogerson Kratos display units and Garmin GTN 750/650 software version 6.21 or later. Within 30 days of the effective date, they must update the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement to prohibit Map-Mode on the left and right display units, incorporate emergency procedures for center DU failure, and disable the TCAS Pop-up mode as per Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-20-51 Revision B. Flight crews must be informed of these changes promptly.

Summary

Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-18R2 is issued by Transport Canada and applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited model 429 helicopters with serial numbers 57001 through 57369, 57371, and 57373. This directive addresses issues with the Rogerson Kratos Display Units (DUs) and Garmin GTN 750/650 software that cause unexpected power cycles and loss of critical flight information during flight. It mandates prohibiting the use of Map-Mode on the Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side Display Units and disables the TCAS Pop-up mode to prevent display failures.

What changed

This revision CF-2020-18R2 updates the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement to prohibit the use of Map-Mode on both the left and right display units, in addition to the previously restricted center display unit. It also introduces a prohibition on the TCAS Pop-up mode for all three display units to prevent automatic activation of Map-Mode that can cause power cycling and display loss. The directive supersedes the previous revision CF-2020-18R1.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving the loss of essential flight display information during critical phases of flight, such as IFR approaches. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent unexpected display failures that could compromise situational awareness and flight safety. Compliance helps maintain airworthiness and regulatory adherence for Bell 429 helicopters equipped with the affected display systems.

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