EASA AD G-2024-0002
Auto Flight — Category III Automatic Landing — Operational Limitation / Aircraft Flight Manual - Category III Automatic Landing — Operational Limitation
Summary
The Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive G-2024-0002 addresses operational limitations for Category III automatic landing systems on AVRO 146-RJ series aeroplanes. It specifically mandates revisions to the Aircraft Flight Manual to mitigate potential interference from 5G telecommunications transmissions affecting radio altimeter reliability during autoland operations. This directive applies to all models and serial numbers of the AVRO 146-RJ aircraft.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces a requirement to amend the Aircraft Flight Manual Section 2-110-20 to include limitations on the use of the Category III automatic landing system due to potential 5G interference with radio altimeters. It is a precautionary measure based on manufacturer assessments and regulatory concerns, despite no reported incidents to date. The directive mandates compliance within three months of the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety risk posed by 5G transmissions interfering with radio altimeters, which are essential for precise autoland operations in low-visibility conditions. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid unsafe conditions during Category III approaches. It also highlights the importance of updating operational documentation to reflect new limitations.
What To Do
Operators of AVRO 146-RJ series aeroplanes must update their Aircraft Flight Manual to Revision No. 13.0 dated 12 April 2024 within three months of 10 July 2024. They must then operate the aircraft in accordance with the revised limitations concerning automatic landing guidance. Any further queries should be directed to the CAA or BAE Systems technical support as specified.