EASA AD CF-2025-15
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 Airworthiness Directive CF-2025-15 titled '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' applies to Bombardier Inc. model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aeroplanes. It addresses the risks of interference from 5G C-Band wireless broadband operations on aircraft radio altimeters, which are critical for safe landing operations. This directive establishes operational prohibitions related to MEL items when flying in Canadian airspace to mitigate these interference risks.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces prohibitions on dispatching or releasing Bombardier BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aeroplanes under certain MEL conditions when operating in Canadian airspace due to potential 5G C-Band interference. It differentiates between radio altimeter tolerant and non-tolerant aeroplanes, restricting operations for non-tolerant aircraft and limiting tolerant aircraft to 5G protected runways. It also approves alternative means of compliance previously accepted under the U.S. AD CF-2023-44 for Canadian operations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it directly affects the operational capabilities of affected Bombardier aircraft in Canadian airspace, especially concerning MEL dispatch conditions. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to avoid unsafe conditions caused by misleading or unavailable radio altimeter data due to 5G interference. Compliance helps maintain safety during landing phases and prevents inadvertent deployment of ground spoilers, which could compromise aircraft control.
What To Do
Operators of Bombardier BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aircraft must comply with the MEL item prohibitions within 30 days of the directive's effective date, 19 March 2025. Non-radio altimeter tolerant aeroplanes are prohibited from dispatch under the specified MEL item, while radio altimeter tolerant aeroplanes may only operate under these MEL conditions at designated 5G protected runways. Stakeholders should also consider approved alternative means of compliance from the U.S. AD CF-2023-44 for Canadian operations.