The bulletin
Text extracted from the PDF.
FAA Aviation Safety
SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS
INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: SW-11-39 SUBJ: Navigation - GPS Date: June 7, 2011 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises you, owners and operators, of all aircraft who may be using FreeFlight Systems (also known as Trimble) 2000 Approach (series) and 2101 Approach (series) Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation units of service difficulty reports. FreeFlight Systems (FFS) has determined that a potential exists for long computational delays in processing flight planning operations. FFS has issued Service Information Letter (SIL) SIL FFS08 describing the maintenance actions required to correct the in-service difficulties. At the time this SAIB is issued, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.
Background
During October, 2008, FFS released software version 24xM. This software version permitted equipment users to utilize the new enhanced four megabyte navigation databases. In March, 2009, numerous reports were received concerning slow operation and loss of some functions. The slow operation can cause the display screen to freeze, while displaying “Building Flight Plan”, for up to 40 seconds, track sequencing will have delays of up to 15 seconds and turn advisories will be similarly delayed; but, the waypoint annunciator illuminates on time. Especially slow operation will be observed when utilizing intersections starting with the letter “T” and beyond. The delays will be slight with intersections beginning with the letter “T” and approach 40 seconds when utilizing intersections beginning with the letter “Z”. These service difficulties have been traced to software version 24xM. FFS has made SIL FFS08 available to the operators of the affected equipment. SIL FFS08 directs the operators to six model specific service bulletins. These service bulletins are provided at no charge to the operators, as a fix for the earlier software release.
Recommendations
Operators are strongly encouraged to comply with FFS Service bulletins as soon as practical. Failure to comply with the FFS Service bulletins could result in long computational delays affecting flight planning operations and turn advisories. Operators should contact FreeFlight Systems to request the software revision applicable to their particular GPS model.
For Further Information, Contact:
George Harrum, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office; 2601 Meacham Blvd Fort Worth Texas 76137-4298; phone: (817) 222-4087; fax (817) 222-5783;
email: 7-AVS-ASW-170@faa.gov
2 For Related Service Information Contact:
FreeFlight Systems, 3700 Interstate 25 South, Waco Texas 76706-3755; phone: (800) 487-4662; Fax:
(254) 662-9452; email: Support@freeflightsystems.com