FAA Issues AD on Vision Jet for CAPS Autopilot Function

The autopilot improperly engaged as a part of an automated process that precedes a deployment of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System.

Julie Boatman

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 06:08 PM ET

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The CAPS on the SF50 requires the jet to slow below 130 knots indicated prior to deploying. [Credit: Stephen Yeates]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA issued Airworthiness Directive (AD 2023-04-20) for the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet to address uncommanded engagement of the autopilot system.
This issue is caused by corrosion in the CAPS (Cirrus Airframe Parachute System) power timer circuit, which can erroneously activate the CAPS autopilot mode and contribute to loss of control, though it does not improperly deploy the CAPS parachute itself.
The AD mandates compliance with a service bulletin that inhibits the CAPS autopilot functionality (requiring pilots to manually slow the aircraft before CAPS deployment) and updates flight manuals and placards, with over half the fleet already compliant.

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On March 6, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) final ruling, AD 2023-04-20, regarding the autopilot system on the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet.

The AD encapsulated a previous service bulletin issued by Cirrus Aircraft Company on January 20, SB5X-90-14R1, following an inflight event in which the autopilot system improperly engaged as a part of an automated process that precedes a deployment of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).