EASA SIB SW-18-12
Century Flight Systems Inc. Horizontal Situation Indicators (HSI) - Navigation — Integrated Flight System
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: SW-18-12 is an FAA information bulletin addressing an airworthiness concern related to Century Flight Systems Inc. Horizontal Situation Indicators (HSI), specifically model number NSD360. The bulletin informs owners and operators about premature drive belt failures in this HSI model, which could lead to loss of directional information. This bulletin does not mandate corrective action but serves as an advisory based on similar findings from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
What Changed
SAIB: SW-18-12 introduces awareness of premature drive belt failures in Century Flight Systems Inc. HSI model NSD360. It does not impose mandatory actions or airworthiness directives but recommends monitoring and reporting any malfunctions or failures. This bulletin supplements existing safety information without initiating regulatory changes.
Why It Matters
This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because failure of the drive belt in the NSD360 HSI can result in loss of directional information, potentially affecting navigation safety. Operators and maintenance personnel need to be vigilant for signs of belt malfunction to maintain instrument reliability. Early detection and reporting can help prevent in-service failures and support continued airworthiness.
What To Do
Owners and operators of Century Flight Systems Inc. HSI model NSD360 should monitor the instrument for any drive belt malfunctions or failures and report these issues to the FAA contacts provided in the bulletin. There are no compliance deadlines or mandatory actions, but voluntary reporting is encouraged to assist in safety monitoring.