EASA SIB 2020-15: General Electric Aviation Integrated Standby Instruments - Notification of Unapproved Parts

What to do

Owners, operators, and maintenance organizations should inspect their aircraft to determine if any affected standby instruments with the listed serial numbers are installed. If such instruments are found, they should notify GE Aviation and the aircraft design approval holder. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified, and the recommendations are informational rather than compulsory.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2020-15 is a notification regarding unapproved General Electric Aviation Integrated Standby Instruments, specifically models 322MFD and 333MFD with certain part and serial numbers. These instruments are installed on aircraft including Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C series and EC225 LP helicopters, as well as Embraer EMB-145 aeroplanes. The bulletin informs about design changes made without full compliance testing with ETSO standards, particularly environmental qualifications.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness of unapproved parts manufactured and sold by GE Aviation for the 322MFD and 333MFD Integrated Standby Instruments. It identifies specific serial numbers of affected units and highlights that these units have not undergone full environmental qualification testing. The document does not mandate corrective actions but advises monitoring and communication with GE Aviation and design approval holders.

Why it matters

This information is important for aviation professionals because unapproved parts may affect the reliability and airworthiness of critical standby instruments. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams need to verify if affected instruments are installed to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. Although no immediate unsafe condition requiring an Airworthiness Directive has been identified, awareness helps in proactive risk management and regulatory compliance.