EASA SIB CE-09-47: Garmin G1000, Perspective—¢, Prodigy—¢ Integrated Flight Decks with Garmin GFC 700 Autopilot

What to do

Pilots should verify that the auto-tuned LOC/ILS frequency matches the approach chart or NOTAM and manually tune the correct frequency if discrepancies occur. They must manually select the correct inbound course and fly the approach manually or choose an alternate procedure. Operators should plan to update to Garmin GDU software version 10.00 or later when available to resolve this issue. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified.

Summary

Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB CE-09-47 is an FAA informational bulletin addressing an issue with Garmin G1000, Perspective™, and Prodigy™ Integrated Flight Decks installed with the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot. It informs pilots about a potential mismatch between automatically tuned VOR or LOC/ILS frequencies and those published on approach charts or NOTAMs, which can cause incorrect course indications during approaches. This bulletin applies to aircraft equipped with these specific Garmin integrated flight decks and autopilot systems.

What changed

This bulletin highlights a navigational radio auto-tune issue where changes in navigation frequencies between database cycles may cause the autopilot to tune incorrect LOC/ILS frequencies. It introduces recommendations for pilots to manually tune frequencies and fly approaches manually until Garmin releases GDU software version 10.00 or later, which will enable autopilot coupling with manually tuned frequencies and courses.

Why it matters

This issue affects the accuracy of navigation during VOR or LOC/ILS approaches, potentially leading to incorrect course guidance and increased pilot workload. Aviation professionals, including pilots and maintenance teams, need to be aware to ensure safe approach operations and avoid reliance on incorrect autopilot inputs. Understanding this limitation is critical for compliance and operational safety when using the affected Garmin flight decks and autopilot.