EASA SIB SW-18-31: Aspen Avionics, Inc. - Display Systems installed by Supplementary Type Certificate No. SA10822SC

What to do

Operators of affected Aspen EFD1000 and EFD500 units with software version 2.9 and the ADS-B IN (FIS-B) option should restrict flights to Visual Flight Rules and suspend night operations until the issue is resolved. Alternatively, disabling the ADS-B IN (FIS-B) option is recommended. Pilots should follow the Flight Manual supplement instructions to pull the ADS-B circuit breaker if resets occur and report any similar events to the FAA contact provided.

Summary

The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: SW-18-31 issued by the FAA on November 21, 2018, addresses an airworthiness concern for aircraft equipped with Aspen Avionics, Inc. Evolution EFD1000 and EFD500 display systems installed under Supplementary Type Certificate No. SA10822SC. The bulletin affects a wide range of aircraft models including Cessna, Piper, Mooney, Cirrus, and others listed in the FAA Approved Model List. It informs operators of a temporary loss of flight display information due to repeated resets linked to the ADS-B IN (FIS-B) Weather Interface option in software version 2.9.

What changed

This bulletin introduces information about a recurring in-flight reset issue affecting Aspen EFD1000 and EFD500 units with software version 2.9 when the ADS-B IN (FIS-B) option is enabled. It highlights that during resets, pilots may experience up to one minute without altitude and airspeed data. The FAA currently does not consider this an unsafe condition warranting an Airworthiness Directive but is investigating the cause and recommending operational precautions.

Why it matters

This issue is critical for aviation professionals because loss of primary flight display data can compromise situational awareness and flight safety, especially under instrument meteorological conditions or night operations. Operators and maintenance teams must be aware of the potential for display blanking and take steps to mitigate risks. Compliance teams should monitor for updates and service information from Aspen to address the root cause.