AD 2021-09-03 Requires Repetitive Replacements Of The ELT Antenna

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of the failure of emergency locator transmitter (ELT) antennas. This AD requires repetitive replacements of the ELT antenna and repetitive inspections for damage of the exterior fuselage skin around the ELT antenna attachment area, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective May 4, 2021.

Supplementary Information: TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2021-10, dated March 18, 2021 (TCCA AD CF-2021-10) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of the failure of ELT antennas, including one case where the antenna departed the airplane. The FAA has determined that these ELT antenna failures were caused by vibration loads induced by air vortices shed by the Gogo 2Ku antenna radome installed on the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address ELT antenna failure, which can lead to the loss of the ELT antenna and the development of fuselage cracks that can result in an inability to maintain cabin pressure. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov