EASA AD US-2022-03-23
Flight Controls - Rudder Yaw Servo Software - Update
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2022-03-23 addresses a safety issue affecting certain Textron Aviation Inc. Model 300, 300LW, B300, and B300C airplanes. This directive mandates updating the yaw servo software in the GSA 9000 system to prevent motor position faults that disable the rudder boost function during critical flight conditions. The update aims to maintain safe flight control and prevent potential loss of airplane control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory update to the yaw servo software version for the GSA 9000 system installed on specified Textron Aviation airplanes. It requires operators to upgrade the software to version 2.14 or later, replacing earlier versions such as 2.13 that may cause rudder boost system failures. This is a new regulation addressing a specific timing fault in the yaw servo software.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the rudder boost system assists pilots in maintaining directional control after engine loss or thrust reduction. Failure of this system due to software faults could lead to loss of control or unsafe flight conditions. Operators, maintenance teams, and compliance personnel must ensure timely software updates to mitigate this risk and comply with FAA safety requirements.
What To Do
Affected operators must update the GSA 9000 yaw servo software to version 2.14 or later within 100 flight hours or 3 months after the effective date of February 22, 2022, whichever occurs first. Comments on the directive are accepted until March 21, 2022. Operators should contact Garmin Aviation Support for service information and ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness.
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