EASA Certifies Underwater Locator Device for Boeing 737 MAX Enhancing Safety Measures

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has provided a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to an Underwater Locator Device for the Boeing 737 MAX.

Developed by Fokker Services Group, the ULD for the 737 MAX-8 and MAX-9 was certified by the European regulator on May 5, 2023.

“Our new STC EASA for ULD on Boeing 737 MAX will allow us to expand our ULD portfolio to one of the bestselling aircraft families of all times, with more than 1100 units built and counting,” read the announcement by Fokker Services. “It will also position Fokker Services as a preferred partner to comply with ULD mandates around the world, including EASA, ICAO, and CASA,” added the Dutch company.

According to EASA directives, since January 1, 2019, most aircraft that fly 180 nautical miles (333 kilometers) from the shore have been required to have additional airframe low frequency (8.8 KHz) ULD. Previously, only the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) had to come complete with a ULD. Furthermore, operators had to ensure that the CVR and FDR had a transmission time of at least 90 days by January 1, 2020, at the latest, compared to the previous requirement of 30 days.

“With this new solution, we’re proud to continue contributing to enhanced air safety by means of our innovative technology and our unrivaled expertise in aviation design, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century,” Fokker Services continued.

Fokker Services was formed in 1996, following the Dutch company ceasing its aircraft manufacturing activities. While it became the Type Certificate holder of the Fokker F27, F28, 50, 60, 70, and 100 aircraft, it never resumed aircraft manufacturing activities, instead pivoting to supplying parts, undertake component repair and modifications program development and other business activities.