EASA SIB CE-11-16: Garmin International - Integrated Flight Deck Systems

What to do

Operators should comply with Garmin's Service Advisory No. 1047 and Installation Bulletin No. 1048 by checking their navigation database cycles and removing affected approaches until the software fix is released. They should use LNAV-only approaches for the affected procedures and monitor Garmin communications for future updates. There is no mandatory compliance deadline, but affected database cycles have already removed the problematic approaches.

Summary

The Garmin International - Integrated Flight Deck Systems Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-11-16 addresses an issue with incorrect LNAV/VNAV and LNAV+V full scale deflection on SBAS (WAAS) enabled Garmin Integrated Flight Decks, including G1000, Cirrus Perspective, Embraer Prodigy, G900X, G950, GNS 400W/500W-series, and GNS 480/CNX80 units. This bulletin informs operators of a scaling error affecting certain approaches with long final approach segments, which may cause the aircraft to fly outside allowed lateral limits. The issue does not currently warrant an Airworthiness Directive under 14 CFR part 39.

What changed

Garmin has removed the capability to select affected LNAV/VNAV and LNAV+V approaches in database cycles 1013 (effective December 16, 2010) for Garmin Integrated Flight Deck Systems and GNS 400W/500W-series units, and cycle 1103 (effective March 10, 2011) for GNS 480/CNX80 units. Affected approaches are now available only as LNAV-only approaches until a future software release addresses the issue. Garmin also issued Service Advisory No. 1047 and Installation Bulletin No. 1048 to notify users and OEMs.

Why it matters

This issue is important for aviation professionals because incorrect CDI/HSI scaling on certain approaches could lead to lateral deviations beyond allowed limits, potentially affecting approach accuracy. Operators and maintenance teams need to be aware to ensure safe navigation and compliance with FAA recommendations. Understanding this helps avoid potential operational risks and ensures continued airworthiness without triggering mandatory AD actions.