The FAA has issued a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) warning operators of Garmin G1000 avionics suites with GFC 700 autopilots. The SAIB warns of possible issues related to the system’s auto-tune functionality. The alert includes Cirrus’s G1000-based Perspective flight deck and Prodigy Integrated Flight Decks, as well. There are cases where the nav portion of the avionics might switch automatically to a localizer or VOR frequency that might have subsequently been changed via NOTAM or other revision unrecognized within the navigator’s database. And even if the pilot manually tunes the correct frequency, the autopilot will not capture or track the altered signal. Nor will the flight director track the manually changed signal. The FAA recommends that the pilot manually set the correct frequency and then hand-fly the approach; or choose another approach at the airport. Garmin announced plans to correct the issue with a future software update to version 10.0, which will allow the flight director and autopilot to accept manually set frequencies.
Auto-tune Miscue Prompts Alert to G1000 Users
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has issued a SAIB warning operators of Garmin G1000/GFC 700 avionics (including Cirrus Perspective/Prodigy) about an auto-tune issue that may select outdated navigation frequencies.
- Even if pilots manually tune the correct frequency, the autopilot and flight director will not capture or track the altered signal for approaches.
- The FAA recommends pilots manually set frequencies and hand-fly approaches, or choose alternative approaches at the airport.
- Garmin plans to release a software update (version 10.0) to correct the issue, allowing the flight director and autopilot to accept manually set frequencies.
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