EASA AD CF-2023-45
Navigation — Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Item Prohibitions in the Presence of 5G C-Band Wireless Broadband Interference
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-45 addresses navigation Minimum Equipment List (MEL) item prohibitions related to 5G C-Band wireless broadband interference for Bombardier Inc. model BD-700-2A12 aircraft. The directive updates previous restrictions on flight operations affected by 5G interference, focusing on radio altimeter performance and related MEL items. It modifies operational limitations based on aircraft radio altimeter tolerance and airport 5G deployment status in the contiguous United States.
What Changed
CF-2023-45 removes the previous requirement to amend the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to limit automatic flight control system and autothrottle use due to 5G interference. It retains prohibitions on dispatch under certain MEL items when combined with 5G interference and an additional failure could cause unsafe flight conditions. The directive also updates applicability criteria for MEL prohibitions based on whether the aircraft is radio altimeter tolerant and whether the airport is a 5G C-Band mitigated airport.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance teams to ensure safe flight operations amid widespread 5G C-Band deployment in the U.S. It clarifies when MEL item restrictions apply, helping avoid inadvertent flight control anomalies caused by 5G interference. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, preventing potential safety hazards related to radio altimeter reliability.
What To Do
Operators of Bombardier BD-700-2A12 aircraft must comply with MEL item dispatch prohibitions related to 5G interference by July 1, 2023. Non-radio altimeter tolerant aircraft are prohibited from dispatching into or out of contiguous U.S. airports under affected MEL items. Radio altimeter tolerant aircraft may only dispatch under these MEL items at 5G C-Band mitigated airports as identified by FAA notices. Alternative means of compliance approved under previous related ADs remain valid until June 30, 2023.
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