EASA AD US-2019-01-02
ASPEN AVIONICS, Inc. - Flight Display ADS-B Function - Disabling / Airplane Flight Manual Supplement - Revision
Summary
The document titled "ASPEN AVIONICS, Inc. - Flight Display ADS-B Function - Disabling / Airplane Flight Manual Supplement - Revision" is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD) addressing certain Aspen Avionics Evolution Flight Display units including the EFD1000 Primary Flight Display, Multi-Function Display, Emergency Backup Display, and the EFD500 Multi-Function Display installed on various aircraft. This AD mandates disabling the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In function and revising the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement to mitigate safety risks associated with repeated flight display resets.
What Changed
This new AD requires operators to disable the ADS-B In function on affected Aspen Avionics flight display units by changing the RS-232 input setting to NONE and to update the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement accordingly. It supersedes prior recommendations from a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin by making these actions mandatory. The AD also requires FAA approval for the disabling procedure rather than just contacting an Aspen dealer.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because the affected Aspen flight displays have been reported to reset repeatedly during flight, potentially causing loss of altitude, attitude, and airspeed information. Such intermittent data loss can lead to loss of control, especially in Instrument Meteorological Conditions or at night, posing a significant safety risk. Compliance ensures continued safe operation and regulatory adherence for operators and maintenance organizations.
What To Do
Operators of aircraft equipped with Aspen Avionics EFD1000 and EFD500 flight display units must disable the ADS-B In function by changing the RS-232 input to NONE and revise the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement to reflect this change. These actions must be completed by February 7, 2019, the effective date of the AD. Additionally, operators should submit any relevant comments or reports of similar issues to the FAA by March 11, 2019.
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