Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22784 · Autopilot system
Various Airplanes
This AD applies to all airplane models specified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, certificated in any category, having a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo installed per Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA01866WI using Master Drawing List 005-01264-00, Revisions 1 through 76.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various airplanes modified with a certain configuration of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This AD was prompted by a report of an un- commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. This AD requires updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and prohibits installing earlier versions of that software. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, update the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software applicable to your airplane to a version that is not 8.01 or earlier for the G5, not version 9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, and not version 2.59 or earlier for the GI 275.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): The software update can be done using Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023. This AD also allows the installation of versions other than those listed in Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023, provided those versions are not listed in paragraph (g) of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System Software that is version 8.01 or earlier for the G5, version 9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, or version 2.59 or earlier for the GI 275, on any airplane.
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
