EASA AD CF-2020-36
Flight Controls — Software Update
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-36 titled 'Flight Controls — Software Update' mandates a software update for Airbus Canada Limited Partnership aircraft models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11. This directive addresses specific serial numbers within these models to ensure continued airworthiness. The update targets the primary flight control computer (PFCC) and remote electronic unit (REU) software systems.
What Changed
CF-2020-36 introduces a requirement to install updated software versions 810-0337-007 for the three PFCCs and C05500026-009 for the ten REUs on affected aircraft. The update must be performed according to Airbus Canada's service bulletin BD500-270013, edition 001 or later approved revisions. This is a new directive issued to correct software deficiencies in flight control systems.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the identified software deficiencies in the PFCC and REU could, if uncorrected and combined with other failures, prevent the aircraft from safely continuing flight and landing. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely software updates to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in grounding or operational restrictions.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft must install the specified software updates on the PFCC and REU units before accumulating 12,000 flight hours from manufacture or within 56 months or 9,350 flight hours from the directive's effective date, whichever occurs first. The updates must follow the instructions in Airbus Canada's service bulletin BD500-270013 edition 001 or later approved versions. Compliance must be documented and verified to meet Canadian Aviation Regulations.
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