EASA AD US-2022-03-20
SUPERSEDED BY FAA AD 2023-12-11
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2022-03-20 is a final rule affecting all Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. It addresses interference with radio altimeters caused by 5G C-Band wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band, which can impair critical aircraft systems during takeoff and landing. The directive mandates revisions to the airplane flight manual to include new limitations and operating procedures to mitigate these risks.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements to revise the limitations and operating procedures sections of the existing airplane flight manual. It prohibits the use of certain minimum equipment list items and requires operators to calculate takeoff and landing distances considering 5G C-Band interference as indicated by Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). It also restricts dispatch and operations on runways with certain surface conditions when affected by this interference.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because 5G C-Band interference can cause erroneous radio altimeter readings that affect multiple aircraft systems such as autothrottle, thrust reversers, spoilers, and speedbrakes. These malfunctions can lead to longer landing or rejected takeoff distances, increasing the risk of runway excursions. Operators, maintenance, and compliance teams must understand and implement these changes to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes must revise their airplane flight manuals to incorporate the new limitations and procedures specified in FAA AD 2022-03-20. They must comply with these changes effective January 31, 2022, and follow NOTAMs related to 5G C-Band interference when planning takeoffs and landings. Dispatch restrictions apply for certain runway conditions and inoperative braking or anti-skid systems under this AD.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.