EASA AD US-2023-10-02: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION - EASA POSITION ATTACHED

What to do

Operators and stakeholders in EASA member states should monitor updates to EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2021-16 for additional guidance related to radio altimeter operations. They should also maintain communication with design approval holders and EASA for any future mandatory actions. For further information or clarification, contact the EASA Safety Information Section via ADs@easa.europa.eu.

Summary

The document titled NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION - EASA POSITION ATTACHED is an official position from EASA regarding FAA Airworthiness Directive 2023-10-02. This FAA AD applies to all transport and commuter category airplanes equipped with radio (radar) altimeters and supersedes FAA AD 2021-23-12. EASA concludes that FAA AD 2023-10-02 is not eligible for adoption within the European Union due to differences in aircraft design approval and operational scope.

What changed

FAA AD 2023-10-02 introduces requirements for certain aircraft to revise their Aircraft Flight Manual to prohibit specific operations relying on radio altimeter data when operating in contiguous U.S. airspace. This AD supersedes the previous FAA AD 2021-23-12. However, EASA has not adopted this FAA AD and is instead drafting a revision of its own Safety Information Bulletin 2021-16 to provide related recommendations for operators in EASA member states.

Why it matters

This position is important for aviation professionals because it clarifies that EASA will not enforce FAA AD 2023-10-02 within its jurisdiction, affecting compliance and operational procedures for European operators of affected aircraft. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must be aware of differing regulatory requirements between FAA and EASA, especially regarding radio altimeter limitations and flight manual revisions. Coordination with design approval holders remains ongoing to determine if mandatory EASA action is necessary.