EASA AD CF-2023-47R1
Navigation — Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Item Prohibitions in the Presence of 5G C-Band Wireless Broadband Interference
Summary
Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-47R1 titled 'Navigation — Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Item Prohibitions in the Presence of 5G C-Band Wireless Broadband Interference' applies to Airbus Canada Limited Partnership aeroplanes Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11. This directive addresses operational restrictions related to radio altimeter interference caused by 5G C-Band wireless broadband signals in U.S. airspace. It prohibits certain MEL item dispatches to prevent unsafe conditions during takeoff and landing.
What Changed
This revision updates the list of applicable MEL items to include new items introduced in the latest Transport Canada MMEL revision Issue 015 dated 11 October 2024. It also removes previously granted alternative means of compliance (AMOCs) related to specific radio altimeter installations and maintains the original prohibition requirements. The directive clarifies definitions and operational limitations concerning 5G C-Band mitigated airports and radio altimeter tolerance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance teams to ensure compliance with safety standards amid 5G C-Band interference risks. It prevents dispatch of affected aircraft under certain MEL conditions at U.S. airports where 5G interference could cause misleading radio altimeter data, potentially leading to unsafe flight modes. Compliance helps avoid inadvertent deployment of ground spoilers or reversion to ground mode during flight, enhancing operational safety.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft must comply with the updated MEL item prohibitions within 30 days of the effective date, 24 June 2025. They must identify whether their aircraft are radio altimeter tolerant or non-tolerant and restrict dispatch accordingly, especially when operating in contiguous U.S. airspace. Maintenance and flight crews should also apply the updated definitions and restrictions when planning diversions and dispatches.