Dear Madam/Sir,
Please find attached hereto an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) which has already been posted on
our web site and can be viewed at http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2016-19R1 .
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EASA SIB No.: 2016-19R1
Safety Information Bulletin
Airworthiness
SIB No.: 2016-19R1
Issued: 09 January 2017
Subject: Honeywell Mode S Transponders: Enhanced Surveillance
Parameters not provided to Mode S Ground Stations
This SIB revises and replaces SIB 2016-19 dated 13 december 2016, including its Correction dated
16 december 2016, to clarify the Applicability.
Ref. Publications:
Honeywell Service Information Letter (SIL) D201206000008 Revision 2 dated 22 November 2013.
Applicability:
Mode S Transponders XS-852E and XS-852F, incorporated in Primus II Integrated Communication
Units (also known as COM units) RCZ-833J, -833K, -851J, -851K, and -854J, Part Number (P/N)
7510700-563, P/N 7510700-613, P/N 7510700-615, P/N 7510700-624, P/N 7510700-625, P/N
7510700-663, P/N 7510700-665 and P/N 7510700-675; and
Mode S Transponders, Primus EPIC XS-857A and -858A, P/N 7517400-950 and P/N 7517401-960.
These transponders are known to be installed on, but not limited to, aeroplanes manufactured by
Textron Aviation (formerly Cessna), Embraer, Gulfstream and Learjet.
Description:
Mode S ground stations are unable to receive Mode S Enhanced Surveillance (EHS) parameters
from aeroplanes, fitted with a certain Honeywell transponder, as listed above. The issue is related
to the report of airborne capability when interrogated by secondary radars using Mode S protocols
with a Surveillance Identifier (SI) code. An incorrect Mode S transponder register content is sent in
reply to the Mode S ground station request. The result is that the Mode S ground station cannot
correctly establish the EHS capability of the aeroplane and therefore it does not request any EHS
parameters.
The Mode S EHS parameters are used by controllers and ground based safety nets. Most European
States have already mandated the provision of Mode S EHS parameters through National
aeronautical information publications (AIP). Aeroplanes operating in the airspace of these States
may be subject to ramp checks to determine compliance with the affected State’s AIP.
These parameters are also required for compliance with European Commission Regulation
(EU) 1207/2011, amended by Regulation (EU) 1028/2014, which will extend this provision across
the rest of Europe. A transponder software upgrade is required to correct this, and other
miscellaneous issues.
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-005 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 1 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union
EASA SIB No.: 2016-19R1
At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB is not considered to be an unsafe condition
that would warrant Airworthiness Directive (AD) action under Regulation (EU) 748/2012, Part
21.A.3B.
Recommendation:
EASA recommends operators to modify the Mode S transponder installation in accordance with
the applicable Honeywell SB (listed below), which will correct this anomaly, as well as ensure
compliance with the State AIP and with the relevant European Commission Regulations.
SB (publication) Nr. Applicability / Description
Conversion of RCZ-833J/K, -851J/K, or -854J Integrated Communications
Unit (COM Unit), P/N 7510700-563, -613, -615, -624, -625, -663, -665, or
SB 7510700-23-0054 -675 into P/N 7510700-565, -618, -617, -628, -627, -662, -667, or -677 in
(A24-3851-005), same sequence with modification (mod) BC; Install XS-852E/F Mode S
original issue, dated Diversity Transponder Module Assembly, P/N 7517400-921 or -922 with
01 November 2012 mod AE to make sure transponder sends correct (1) data for SI request,
(2) altitude A429 label to Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), (3)
identification in capability report when connected to Change 7.1 TCAS II.
SB 7517400-23-0025 Mod AE to XS-852E/F Mode S Diversity Transponder Module Assembly,
(A24-3834-029), P/N 7517400-921, -922; make sure transponder sends correct (1) data
original issue dated for SI request, (2) altitude A429 label to TCAS, (3) identification in
05 November 2012 capability report when connected to Change 7.1 TCAS II.
SB 7517400-34-0003 Mod AE to XS-857A Mode S Diversity Transponder Module Assembly,
(A24-3834-030), P/N 7517400-950; make sure transponder sends correct (1) data for SI
original issue dated request, (2) altitude A429 label to TCAS, (3) identification in capability
22 April 2013 report when connected to Change 7.1 TCAS II.
SB 7517401-34-0005 Mod AE to XS-858A Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-
(A24-3834-031), B) Transponder Assembly, P/N 7517401-960; make sure transponder
original issue dated sends correct (1) data for SI request, (2) altitude A429 label to TCAS, (3)
22 April 2013 identification in capability report when connected to Change 7.1 TCAS II.
Contact(s):
For further information, contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate.
E-mail:
[email protected].
For further information or technical assistance, or a copy of the applicable SB(s), contact
Honeywell via e-mail:
[email protected].
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-005 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union