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 the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet's autopilot system due to uncommanded engagement, stemming from corrosion in the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) power timer circuit.
This erroneous autopilot activation contributed to an accident where the pilot manually deployed CAPS, though the parachute system itself did not deploy improperly.
The AD mandates inhibiting the CAPS autopilot, updating flight manuals and placards, and for some aircraft, removing the power timer functionality, which will require pilots to manually slow the aircraft before CAPS deployment.

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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).