Auto Flight - Cirrus Airframe Parachute System - Configuration / Placard Installation; Aircraft Flight Manual / Airworthiness Limitations Section - Amendment
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Cirrus Model SF50 airplanes must complete the required avionics configuration, placard installation, AFM and maintenance manual revisions, and wiring modifications where applicable within 25 flight hours or by March 21, 2023. Compliance must be recorded in aircraft maintenance records per FAA regulations. Stakeholders should also submit any comments on the directive by April 20, 2023.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2023-04-20 addresses safety issues in Cirrus Design Corporation Model SF50 airplanes related to uncommanded activation of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) autopilot mode. This directive mandates changes to avionics configuration, installation of information placards, and revisions to the Aircraft Flight Manual and Airworthiness Limitations Section. It also requires wiring modifications for certain airplanes to remove CAPS power timer functionality.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements to boot avionics in configuration mode, inhibit the CAPS autopilot mode, fabricate and install informational placards, and revise the AFM and maintenance manuals. For some aircraft, it also mandates wiring modifications to eliminate the CAPS power timer circuit. These changes aim to prevent inadvertent CAPS autopilot activation during flight.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety hazard that can cause uncommanded 30-degree pitch-up maneuvers, potentially leading to stalls during critical flight phases. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain safe flight operations and prevent accidents related to CAPS autopilot malfunctions. The directive also allows pilots with private certificates to perform certain manual revisions, easing compliance efforts.
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