EASA AD CF-2025-13
Navigation — Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Item Prohibitions when Operating in Canada due to 3.45 to 3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band) Wireless Broadband Interference
Summary
The Navigation — Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Item Prohibitions when Operating in Canada due to 3.45 to 3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band) Wireless Broadband Interference is a Canadian Airworthiness Directive (CN CF-2025-13) that applies specifically to Bombardier Inc. BD-700-2A12 aircraft. It addresses the risks of interference to aircraft radioaltimeters caused by 5G C-Band wireless broadband operations in the 3.45 to 3.98 GHz frequency range. The directive prohibits the use of certain MEL items during flights in Canadian airspace to mitigate safety risks associated with radioaltimeter signal disruption.
What Changed
This new directive introduces prohibitions on operating Bombardier BD-700-2A12 aircraft under specific MEL provisions when radioaltimeter interference from 5G C-Band signals is possible. It distinguishes between aircraft equipped with tolerant and non-tolerant radioaltimeters and restricts MEL relief for non-tolerant aircraft entirely, while allowing limited MEL use for tolerant aircraft only on runways protected from 5G interference. It also approves previously established alternative means of compliance from the US FAA directive CF-2023-45 for Canadian operations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it directly impacts flight dispatch, maintenance, and operational procedures for affected Bombardier BD-700-2A12 aircraft in Canada. Operators must ensure compliance to avoid unsafe conditions caused by erroneous or unavailable radioaltimeter data during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Maintenance and compliance teams need to verify radioaltimeter tolerance status and MEL applicability to maintain regulatory adherence and flight safety.
What To Do
Operators of Bombardier BD-700-2A12 aircraft must comply with the prohibitions on MEL item usage within 30 days of the directive's effective date, March 19, 2025. They must identify whether their aircraft have tolerant or non-tolerant radioaltimeters and restrict MEL operations accordingly, avoiding MEL relief for non-tolerant aircraft and limiting MEL use for tolerant aircraft to protected runways as defined by Innovation, Sciences and Economic Development Canada. Additionally, approved alternative means of compliance from FAA CN CF-2023-45 may be used in Canada.