AD 2015-10-51 Airworthiness Directives; Avidyne Corporation Integrated Flight Displays

Avidyne Corporation (Avidyne) Integrated Flight Displays (IFDs) part number (P/N) 700-00083-() loaded with software release 9.3.1.0 or earlier release (referred to as Model R9—10 inch), P/N 700-00171-() loaded with software release 9.2.5.0 or earlier release (referred to as Model R9—12 inch), and P/N 700-00182-() loaded with software release 10.0.3.0 or earlier release (referred to as Model IFD540). These IFDs are installed on, but not limited to, airplanes that are certificated in any category and are identified in the following: (1) For Model R9—10 inch: AML STC SA00282BO. This document can be found at: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/24d8d8ba6cb57e4f86257d1d0055dec4/$FILE/SA00282BO_AML.pdf. (2) For Model R9—12 inch: Korea Aerospace Industries KC-100 (currently being type validated by the FAA). (3) For Model IFD540: STC SAA00343BO. This document can be found at: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/5084676a444f3b2b86257d20005d08ab/$FILE/SA00343BO_AML.pdf.

Unless already done, comply with paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD, including all subparagraphs.

(1) Before further flight after July 1, 2015 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2015-10-51, issued on May 18, 2015, which contained the requirements of this amendment, incorporate the operational limitations listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM or AFMS, as applicable. This can be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM or AFMS. (i) “Flying a full procedure (non Vector-to-Final) GPS approach, with a course change at the Final Approach Fix (FAF), is prohibited.” (ii) “Flying a GPS approach, with a Direct-To or with an Omni-Bearing Selector (OBS) leg to the FAF, is prohibited.” (2) This action may be done by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the airplane records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.173 or 135.439. (3) Paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD provides examples of prohibited and allowed GPS approach per paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD: (i) An example of a prohibited GPS approach per paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD can be found at: http://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/1505/05597r25.pdf. (ii) An example of an allowed GPS approach per paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD can be found at: http://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/1505/00626rz29.pdf. (4) This AD is no longer applicable if software is installed that is different than that referenced in paragraph (c) Applicability of this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of Avidyne IFDs displaying incorrect course deviation indication information during GPS approaches (incorrect display of lateral deviations). This condition occurs when the airplane is flying in certain approaches, the leg to the Final Approach Fix (FAF) is active, and the leg to the FAF is not aligned with the final approach course ( i.e., an angled entry to the FAF). The software of the Avidyne IFDs as referenced above in the Applicability section, paragraph (c) of this AD, will produce lateral deviations to the final approach course as soon as the leg to the FAF becomes active. Therefore, when the leg does not align with the final approach course, the course deviation indicator (CDI) will show a deviation when, in fact, the aircraft is on the proper course for the active leg. We are issuing this AD to prevent such incorrect display of lateral deviations, which could result in the pilot making flight decisions that put the aircraft in unsafe flight conditions, flying into airspace that was, by the GPS approach design, to be avoided (terrain, obstacle, traffic, restricted).

None.