Sat, Apr 10, 2004
The FAA is planning to
issue an airworthiness directive mandating a software upgrade for
certain GX-series GPS units from UPS Aviation Technologies, now a
division of Garmin, known as Garmin AT. Software versions 3.0
through 3.4 for the units can give pilots momentarily inaccurate
readings on their course deviation indicators. That could cause a
slaved autopilot to begin an inappropriate turn.
"This is a known problem that UPSAT, and now Garmin, have been
working with aircraft owners to correct for more than two years,"
said AOPA Senior Director of Advanced Technology Randy Kenagy.
"UPSAT issued a service bulletin more than two years ago offering
the necessary software upgrade for free. The FAA is now proposing
to require the upgrade with the AD."
The AD would give GX-series owners six months to have their
units' software upgraded.
Since Garmin purchased UPSAT, the company has committed to
honoring UPSAT's promise of a free software upgrade for all
GX-series owners, regardless of age. Garmin reports that as many as
half of the nearly 1,200 affected units have already received the
upgrade.
According to Garmin, the CDI may display incorrect course
deviation indications for two to six seconds. The incorrect
information is displayed only after a pilot has instructed the GPS
to go "direct to" a waypoint. The GPS position or navigation
information is never lost despite the momentary incorrect
display.
Both the original UPSAT service bulletin and the proposed
airworthiness directive are available online, or owners may contact
Garmin AT at 800-525-6726.
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