EASA AD US-2021-23-13: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION - EASA POSITION ATTACHED

What to do

Affected stakeholders should continue to monitor communications from EASA and coordinate with design approval holders for updates on any potential mandatory actions. No immediate changes to Rotorcraft Flight Manuals or operational procedures are required under EASA regulations based on this position. For further information, stakeholders can contact EASA's Safety Information Section via the provided email.

Summary

The document titled 'NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION - EASA POSITION ATTACHED' is an official EASA position regarding FAA Airworthiness Directive 2021-23-13, which applies to helicopters equipped with radio (radar) altimeters. The FAA AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual to restrict certain operations involving radio altimeter data in U.S. airspace due to potential 5G C-Band interference. EASA has determined that FAA AD 2021-23-13 is not eligible for adoption within its jurisdiction and has not identified an unsafe condition warranting mandatory action at this time.

What changed

FAA AD 2021-23-13 introduces a requirement for affected helicopters to update their Rotorcraft Flight Manuals to prohibit certain operations relying on radio altimeter data when 5G C-Band interference is present. EASA's position clarifies that it will not adopt this FAA AD because it covers helicopter types for which the FAA is not the State of Design and because EASA has not confirmed an unsafe condition. This document represents EASA's decision not to implement the FAA's directive.

Why it matters

This position is important for aviation professionals because it highlights differences in regulatory approaches between EASA and FAA regarding 5G interference risks to rotorcraft radio altimeters. Operators and maintenance organizations within EASA's jurisdiction should be aware that the FAA's operational limitations do not currently apply in Europe. Compliance teams must monitor ongoing coordination with design approval holders for potential future mandatory actions.