EASA SIB SW-12-45
Garmin 400W/500W GPS-WAAS Navigation System
Summary
The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: SW-12-45 addresses an airworthiness concern related to the Garmin Model 400W/500W series GPS-WAAS Navigation System installed on Part 27 helicopters listed on the Approved Model List of Supplemental Type Certificate SR02232LA, excluding the Agusta S.p.A Model A109A-II. This bulletin provides information for owners and operators about installation compliance issues but does not mandate corrective action. The Agusta S.p.A Model A109A-II is now the only model approved for installation under the amended STC SR02232LA.
What Changed
The bulletin informs that the STC SR02232LA was amended on June 7, 2011, to restrict installations of the Garmin 400W/500W GPS-WAAS Navigation Units to only the Agusta S.p.A Model A109A-II. Prior to this amendment, installations on other Part 27 helicopters may not have met all FAA airworthiness regulations due to insufficient type design data.
Why It Matters
This information is important for aviation professionals because it highlights potential regulatory non-compliance for certain Garmin 400W/500W GPS-WAAS installations on Part 27 helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations need to be aware of these limitations to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance, especially when supporting or installing these navigation systems.
What To Do
Owners and operators of affected Part 27 helicopters with Garmin 400W/500W GPS-WAAS units installed before June 7, 2011, should continue to seek operational support from Garmin. For installations after this date, the STC SR02232LA applies only to the Agusta S.p.A Model A109A-II. No mandatory corrective actions or deadlines are specified in this bulletin.