Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15832 · Trimble or FreeFlight Systems 2101 I/O Approach Plus Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation Systems
Trimble or FreeFlight Systems 2101 I/O Approach Plus Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation Systems
All aircraft with a Trimble or FreeFlight Systems 2101 I/O Approach Plus global positioning system (GPS) navigation system (2101 I/O Approach Plus system), part number 81440-xx-241E, 81440-xx-241F, or 81440-xx-241G (xx indicates either the numbers 02, 03, or 12), with software revision -241E, -241F, or 241G, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Trimble or FreeFlight Systems 2101 I/O Approach Plus global positioning system (GPS) navigation system (2101 I/O Approach Plus system) that requires a software upgrade for this system. This amendment is prompted by an incident that led to the discovery of several annunciation errors with the 2101 I/O Approach Plus system. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a pilot from making an unsafe decision based on erroneous information provided by the 2101 I/O Approach Plus system, which could result in loss of control of the aircraft.
Required within 180 days after the effective date of this AD for aircraft approved for instrument flight rule (IFR) flight, or 270 days after the effective date of this AD for aircraft approved for visual flight rule (VFR) flight, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent a pilot from making an unsafe decision based on erroneous information provided by the 2101 I/O Approach Plus system, which could result in loss of control of the aircraft, accomplish the following:
(a) Upgrade the system software of any Trimble or FreeFlight Systems 2101 I/O Approach Plus GPS navigation system, part number (P/N) 81440-xx-241E, 81440-XX-241F, or 81440-xx-241G (xx indicates the numbers 02, 03, or 12), that currently has software revision -241E, -241F, or -241G, to system software revision, P/N 81440-XX-241J.
Note: Sections II and III of FreeFlight Systems Service Bulletin No. SB 81440-XX-00-19, dated December 12, 2006, pertains to the requirements of this AD.
(b) Upgrading the Trimble or FreeFlight Systems 2101 I/O Approach Plus GPS Navigation System's software, to system software revision, P/N 81440-xx-241J, is considered a terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Special Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Sung-Hui Cavazos, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Special Certification Office, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0190, telephone (817) 222-5142, fax (817) 222-5785, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided that the aircraft is operated under VFR only.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 20, 2009.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Appliances and equipment
