EASA AD CF-2021-52: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION - EASA POSITION ATTACHED

What to do

Affected stakeholders should monitor communications from EASA for any future mandatory directives concerning radio altimeter operations and 5G interference. Until EASA issues its own AD or guidance, operators in EASA jurisdictions are not required to implement the TCCA AD CF-2021-52 limitations. For questions or further information, stakeholders can contact EASA's Safety Information Section via ADs@easa.europa.eu.

Summary

The document titled NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION - EASA POSITION ATTACHED is an official position from EASA regarding Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Airworthiness Directive CF-2021-52. This TCCA AD applies to transport and commuter aeroplanes equipped with radio (radar) altimeters and requires revisions to the Aircraft Flight Manual to restrict certain operations in U.S. airspace when 5G C-Band interference is present. EASA has determined that TCCA AD CF-2021-52 is not eligible for adoption within its jurisdiction due to applicability issues involving aeroplane types for which TCCA is not the State of Design.

What changed

This document communicates that EASA will not adopt TCCA AD CF-2021-52 as it stands. The TCCA AD introduced operational limitations related to radio altimeter use in the presence of 5G C-Band interference, but EASA found that the applicability list includes aircraft types outside TCCA's design authority. Therefore, EASA has not mandated these changes within its regulatory framework.

Why it matters

For aviation professionals, this means that the operational restrictions imposed by TCCA AD CF-2021-52 do not automatically apply in EASA member states. Operators and maintenance organizations should be aware that EASA is still evaluating the safety implications and coordinating with design approval holders before issuing any mandatory actions. This affects compliance planning and operational procedures related to radio altimeter use near 5G C-Band signals.