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 an Airworthiness Directive (AD 2023-04-20) for Cirrus SF50 Vision Jets due to corrosion in the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) power timer circuit.
This corrosion causes an erroneous signal that inadvertently activates the CAPS autopilot mode, leading to uncommanded flight control issues and contributing to an accident, although the parachute itself was not improperly deployed.
The AD mandates disabling the CAPS autopilot, updating flight manuals, and for some aircraft, modifying wiring to remove the problematic timer circuit functionality.
Cirrus Aircraft is working on a long-term design change, with over half the SF50 fleet already having complied with the interim service bulletin.

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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).