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

Verified

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 the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet's autopilot system, addressing uncommanded activation related to the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).
The problem originated from corrosion in the CAPS power timer circuit, which inadvertently activated the CAPS autopilot mode, leading to flight control issues and contributing to an accident, without improperly deploying the parachute itself.
The AD requires inhibiting this problematic CAPS autopilot functionality by modifying wiring and updating flight manuals, meaning pilots will now manually slow the aircraft before deploying CAPS, rather than relying on the previously automated speed reduction.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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).