EASA AD CF-2023-57
Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency — Replacement and Relocation of the Wardrobe Personal Locator Beacon
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-57 addresses the replacement and relocation of the Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) on Airbus Canada Limited Partnership model BD-500-1A11 aircraft, specifically serial numbers 55003 through 55009, 55016, 55034, 55038, 55039, 55041 through 55043, and 55050 through 55055. This directive mandates modifications to the wardrobe area to install a new PLB part number 500-32-2Y-H to enhance safety. The directive is issued under Canadian Aviation Regulation 521.427.
What Changed
CF-2023-57 introduces a requirement to remove the existing PLB part number 500-12Y and replace it with a new PLB part number 500-32-2Y-H, along with modifying the wardrobe to relocate the PLB. This change is based on a design review that identified insufficient mitigation of thermal runaway risks from lithium batteries in the original PLB design. The new PLB and its relocation reduce the risk of fire propagation involving nearby Portable Oxygen Cylinder Assemblies.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential fire hazard caused by lithium battery thermal runaway in the PLB, which could compromise safety by affecting oxygen cylinder assemblies. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent safety risks and maintain airworthiness. Compliance also ensures adherence to Canadian Aviation Regulations and avoids regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus Canada BD-500-1A11 aircraft must remove the PLB part number 500-12Y, modify the wardrobe, and install the new PLB part number 500-32-2Y-H following Airbus Canada Service Bulletin BD500-256021 Issue No. 001 or later approved revisions. These actions must be completed within 60 months from the effective date of 2023-08-08 unless already accomplished.
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