EASA SIB CASA-2024-11
Localizer Tracking Anomaly
Summary
Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert CASA 2024-11 addresses a localizer tracking anomaly affecting MHI RJ Aviation ULC CRJ series aircraft, including CRJ100/200/440, Challenger 850, and CRJ550/700/701/702/705/900/1000 models. The alert highlights an issue where aircraft autopilots fail to complete planned turns to capture the localizer, causing overshoot of the localizer centerline during approaches, which can lead to missed approaches or the need for ATC vectors. This problem is known across all CRJ models and is more prevalent on long runways with narrower localizer beams, especially in urban areas with newer or updated localizer antennas.
What Changed
CASA 2024-11 introduces updated Flight Operations Notes (FON) published in May 2024, superseding previous FONs to raise awareness and recommend mitigation procedures for the localizer tracking anomaly. It also announces forthcoming updates to the Flight Crew Operating Manuals (FCOM) expected in the first half of 2025 to incorporate these operational changes. The alert consolidates existing mitigations and emphasizes pilot caution when arming approach modes and situational awareness during parallel runway operations.
Why It Matters
This alert is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a persistent safety issue that can affect approach stability and increase the risk of missed approaches or unstable approaches, impacting flight safety and operational efficiency. Operators and maintenance teams must understand the anomaly to ensure proper pilot training and procedural compliance, especially during simultaneous parallel runway operations. Awareness and adherence to updated guidance help maintain safe navigation and reduce potential incidents related to localizer capture failures.
What To Do
Affected operators should review and implement the updated Flight Operations Notes (FON) issued in May 2024 and prepare for the upcoming Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) revisions expected in early 2025. Flight crews must follow recommended procedures to avoid arming the approach mode prematurely and maintain heightened situational awareness during localizer capture and parallel runway approaches. For further information or clarification, stakeholders should contact Transport Canada or the designated continuing airworthiness office.