EASA AD US-2023-12-11
Aircraft Flight Manual - Limitations / Operating Procedures - Amendment
Summary
The Aircraft Flight Manual - Limitations / Operating Procedures - Amendment is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2022-03-20. It applies to all Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes and addresses limitations and operating procedures related to interference from 5G C-Band wireless broadband operations affecting radio altimeters. The amendment updates the airplane flight manual to prohibit the use of certain minimum equipment list items and retains procedures for calculating takeoff and landing distances under these interference conditions.
What Changed
This amendment supersedes AD 2022-03-20 by revising the limitations section of the airplane flight manual to include additional prohibitions on the use of certain MEL items due to expanded 5G C-Band interference. It retains the previously required operating procedures for calculating takeoff and landing distances when affected by 5G signals. The rule reflects the increased deployment of 5G base stations and the need for broader operational restrictions.
Why It Matters
This amendment is critical for aviation professionals because 5G C-Band interference can degrade radio altimeter performance, leading to malfunction of key airplane systems during takeoff and landing. Operators must comply to avoid unsafe conditions such as longer landing distances or rejected takeoffs, which could result in runway excursions. Compliance ensures continued safe operation of affected Boeing 737 models amid evolving wireless broadband environments.
What To Do
Operators of Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes must revise their airplane flight manuals to incorporate the updated limitations and operating procedures as specified in the amendment. They must comply with these changes by June 21, 2023, the effective date of the AD. Continued adherence to the prohibitions on certain MEL items and the prescribed takeoff and landing distance calculations is mandatory to maintain airworthiness.
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