aspen avionics problems
Not that this is any different than total power loss in your average Bonanza, but its important to keep clear what these fancy boxes provide and what they dont. Shortly after that they figured out it was software and stopped swapping out the hardware. Disable the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In function in each unit by following the Procedure, paragraphs 5.2.a. The AD goes into effect on Aug. 17, 2020, and is open for public comment until Sept. 14, 2020. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You can interact with each of the buttons and knobs and see the result on the simulated display. The cost to overhaul and reinstall the 25-year-old HSI system was probably half of what this new system was going to be, with hoped-for increases in reliability and duplication of attitude information., This can open a huge can of worms. I recently found and reached out to another Aspen E5 customer that is going through similar problems with his new . This makes sense to us. With competition from the G5, I would think they would be motivated to keep you happy. Plane and Pilot builds on more than 50 years of serving pilots and owners of aircraft with the goal of empowering our readers to improve their knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. I'm posting your email here as I want others to see how I'm being treated by Aspen over their reliability issues. After numerous pilots reported that their Evolution Flight Displays (the EFD1000; EFD100 Multi-Function Display; and EFD500 MFD) rebooted in flight, with about a minute of loss of signal on the display while the system reset itself. In my case, I have a Garmin 496, so I am covered.. It seems to me as though this is a no-brainer for anyone doing a major avionics upgrade to their aircraft For someone to just go out and upgrade a perfectly good panel with good-quality equipment, it should take a bit more consideration., Cost for just installing the EFD1000 was difficult for many to break out as many folks installed the Aspen as part of a larger panel revamp. As we explain in the sidebar on page 6, the E5 has a full complement of flight instruments, but (aside from the attitude and heading) they arent for primary instrument replacement. At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39. Familiarity with avionics manufacturers such as Garmin, Bendix-King, Honeywell, Avidyne, Aspen Avionics, Freeflight . Mooneyspace.com The E5 also has basic GPS and raw nav course guidance, but there is no electronic HSI, although the E5 is fully IFR capable. Really excited about the new hsi E5 upgrade. - June 10, 2019. FAA Issues AD For Aspen Evolution 2000 MAX, 2500 MAX Systems, Crew-6 Launch Scrubbed For Ground Systems Issue, The Drip, Drip Of Bad Publicity About 100LL. - Seems that there is no correlation in the events for the in-flight reset FAA issues AD for Aspen Displays; Says to turn off ADS-B In. Thanks for clarifying this. The reset occurs between five- to ten-minute intervals. One pilot told us he had to seriously beef up his instrument-flying technique because he could now see many minor roll excursions on his Aspen that were simply too small to appear on his vacuum-powered AI. A recent FAA approval will allow aircraft owners installing a single Aspen Avionics Evolution EFD1000 Pro MAX primary flight display (PFD) to remove the previously required backup attitude indicator, the company announced on Thursday. Was the unit installed by an authorized Aspen dealer or not?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro, Im confused about what is going on here. It will work with a variety of third-party autopilot systems, including S-TEC and also the TruTrak Vizion. The services advertised by Total Aviation Staffing, LLC . . Founded in 2004 by aviation enthusiasts, Aspen Avionics has a history of punching above its weight, having long battled Garmin to gain a significant share of the general aviation avionics market. Fixed Wing. As we go to press, Aspen is close to delivering the next-generation replacement for the Evolution Pro PFD with the Evolution MAX line. View this and more full-time & part-time jobs in Aspen, CO on Snagajob. They will go through it and get to the bottom of what is going on. Upload or insert images from URL. I have had no problems since then., Its worth noting that 12 percent of those reporting needed to relocate other equipment or cables to make the Remote Sensor Module (RSM) work properly. Three of the five keys along the lower right side of the EFI function as either single-action hot keys for frequently used commands or as menu keys when the E5s menu has been activated. The New Mexico creator of the Evolution Flight Display that is the foundation of many glass cockpits now has deeper pockets. All installations are done under and in accordance with the STC. Was $5395.00 . My head was trying hard looking for something to scan, while everything was in one place I became a decision maker instead of an interpreter, my [new] scan allows me to make sure I am getting valid information., We noted in our first report on the EFD1000 that the small type was a bit of a problem. 1 Review 48 Answered Questions. If you're talking about the failures a few years ago, that was a software issue that was resolved. August 5, 2020 By Jim Moore. Digital Media Managing Editor Jim Moore joined AOPA in 2011 and is an instrument-rated private pilot, as well as a certificated remote pilot, who enjoys competition aerobatics and flying drones. Some background info: Paste as plain text instead, Using the latest test equipment, our technicians assess and resolve technical problems with communication, navigation, and flight guidance systems. Aspen, CO. Posted: 13 hours ago. I wont turn this into a this is better, He has an E5 showing similar unsafe behavior, i.e. For more than five decades, active and dedicated aircraft owners and pilots have turned to AVIATION CONSUMER to answer their most important buying questions. Contact www.aspenavionics.com and at 888-992-7736. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this . Then shoot the precision approach. None of this seems to matter tho. Thats not the case with the E5 when its connected to a compatible IFR GPS navigator, including a Garmin GNS or GTN. bd95r The GPS is there really only for helping the attitude system of the Aspen internally check itself. Required Actions (a section of the AD) The attitude portion of the instrument has a conventional blue over brown background with a white horizon line dividing the two areas. Page 74: Acu/Acu2 Installation. Differences Between the AD and the Service Information:The service information specifies contacting an Aspen Avionics dealer to disable the ADS-B In function, whereas this AD requires contacting the FAA for approval of the procedure. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional rulemaking. I think there were at least a few people that had similar reset issues with the max. The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aspen Avionics Evolution flight display systems due to an automatic reset occurring when the display internal monitor detects a potential fault, causing intermittent loss of airspeed, attitude, and altitude information during flight. The AD restricts operation with these systems to day VFR flight. Unlike other Aspen displays, the E5 only has one page, so youll always view attitude and heading data. Some owners wish the display dimmed even further. And the AD for the previous versions of software, 2.10 or 2.10.1, where the problem might occur, rolled out in August 2020. You can post now and register later. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, What Instrument Pilots Need to Know About Flying Ice-Free in Winter, Whelen Engineering to Acquire LoPresti Aviation. As an Electronics Engineer, you will lead the development of a sophisticated state-of-the-art Avionics for a hypersonics product in a world class Integrated Product Development environment. I am one of the core software engineers in the Subsurface Science and Engineering (SSE) group working on next-generation cloud and desktop (Windows/Linux) software in the oil and gas industry and green energy solutions. May 2022 - Present11 months. Aspen Avionics - massiv problems The video shows a paper to eight flying with him Aspen Avionics. Most owners did not need extensive work done unless they wanted to, but as noted already, a majority did the upgrade as part of other upgrades so new cables, antennas, other equipment and overlays were also installed. The FAA cautioned that an aircraft with multiple Aspen displays, the issue could result in loss of all altitude and airspeed reference during the reset period.. During this flight the auto pilot does not react on any inp. When Aspen Avionics announced its retrofit PFD system in 2007, we were impressed with the designs ingenuity and its workable price point. This didnt come up as an issue at all in our survey. However, Id be curious what gps was installed. I have a 1982 A36 with a Century III autopilot. The system is approved for over 650 aircraft, but we saw the vast majority in medium- to high-performance piston singles. Manufacturing. I think@LANCECASPERhas the ifd units and max displays. The fact that now itsa different box than whats on the AD illustratesthat Aspen hasvery serious systemic issues. Affected units are Aspen's Evolution Flight Display EFD1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD), EFD1000 Multi-Function Display (MFD), and EFD1000 Emergency Backup . Beech Lister John R. provides the following quote for his upcoming Aspen install: The bottom line w/my A&P. $9995 installed ($8995.00 unit an $1000 install). He has an E5 showing similar unsafe behavior, i.e. One MFD failed first 2 weeks know less than 1 year MFD took about 30 minutes to power up Thanks Don. I hope you can understand and empathize with me of the frustration that I have had with Aspen for about 330 hours of flight. Was the unit installed by an authorized Aspen dealer or not? I'll probably sell it at a loss and install dual G5s on my dime when the GFC500 is available for short bodies. The converter is included with higher-end Evolution systems. This is opposed to revamping your panel [yet gaining] little added functionality.. The check in the EFD install manual Section 10.5.1.1 would have detected this before the test flight. We are currently recruiting an Avionics Maintenance Technician for one of our clients. - I reviewed the logs sent to Aspen.I can see nothing other than what appear to be normal bootups The company said it has a customer . Aspen users have waited years for this solution and it's built into the E5 and the new MAX. I had the initial unit fail several times, but all in the first couple of weeks (May June 2008). AOPA has welcomed Aspens contributions to aviation safety and modernization, and installed Aspens first FAA-certified primary flight display in the AOPA 2008 Get Your Glass Sweepstakes airplane. In our estimation, even basic E5 installations might come in north of $7000. Going out of cal is a big issue with these. After 10 seconds of inactivity, the knob returns to its default setting. It is probably rare but shows the importance of a thorough test flight after installing equipment such as this and hopefully you guys can learn something like we did. Im curious what 440 software version everyone is running (especially the units that have reset in flight). 2 different Aspen 1000 PFD's 3 different ACU's Replaced Ethernet cable Checked wiring. PFD Primary flight display instrument panels Employer est. When I ask customer support about similar reports, they don't seem to recall yours. We are currently recruiting an Avionics Maintenance Technician for one of our clients. FAA Global AMOC Aug 2017*. It corrects.. Replaced Ethernet cable The AD applies to certain Aspen Avionics, Inc., Evolution Flight Display (EFD) EFD1000 Emergency Backup Display, EFD1000 Multi-Function Display, and EFD1000 Primary Flight Display systems installed on various airplanes. As mentioned in my email, it is best to have an Authorized Dealer take a look at the system and diagnose the problem. If you are interested in the Avionics Maintenance Technician apply today! These design changes are defined in the 900-00003-001, Revision CC, EFD1000, and EFD500 Software Version 2.X installation manual, dated March 2020.. Introduction Definatly some pros over iron but you certainly get what you pay for. Total Aviation Staffing, LLC. . Job specializations: Engineering. I'm not giving up though and looking to get this fixed.Aspen has been in this business a long time and I would expect that they will be able to figure it out. If this is something that's been happening in the last few months, please post more details!! Aspen Avionics' director of sales, Scott Smith, states: "This is a game-changing development for aircraft owners looking for an affordable, full-featured, single or multi-display installation . I had an E5 installed into my E model back at annual in May. Like every other Aspen PFD, the E5 comes with an RSM, or remote sensor module, which works together with the sensors inside the E5 for 3D magnetic heading and GPS computations. Wait and see. - I have looked at the disgnotics page and see nothing out of what I would expect to be normal The company is working on a range of aviation software and data products . https://mooneyspace.com/search/?q=Aspen Andy&quick=1&updated_after=any&sortby=relevancy&search_and_or=and. Aspen Avionics' GPS-backed Evolution Flight Display System has been installed on some 20,000 general aviation and small commercial planes and helicopters worldwide. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 2011 Piper Mirage 950 Hours SNEW, Garmin G1000 Avionics with SVT, ADS-B Compliant, GFC700 Autopilot, Honeywell Active Traffic, FIKI Liked by Adam Mabry JUST LISTED! If you think you found a problem, have a question, or have a suggestion, . Mysteries Of Flight: The Curious Case Of Pan Am Flight 914, Fond Farewell to a Titan: The Antonov An-225, A Radial Engine Clock, Concorde Cufflinks And More Gear For Aviators, Garmin GI 275: Flight Instrument Revolution. Now $4695.00/Each . Whats great about us: The cause of this safety issue is currently under investigation; however, preliminary information suggests that the cause of the continuous reset is related to the ADS-B IN interface. A year later, they were shipping and the field results were mixed: Capable technology but the installations werent going as smoothly as hoped and there was a higher-than-expected failure rate.New technology always takes some time to shake out the bugs, so now that there are hundreds of units out there in the field, we surveyed users to see if the reality is living up to the marketing copy. should be prepared to deal with it should the issue arise. As one Bonanza owner put it, It just made sense. He probably is getting the unit for a net $8100 and install is really $1900..who knows. Intelligent placement of your backup instruments is worth serious thought if youre putting in the Aspen. The AD does not apply to MAX displays that have been updated to software version 2.10.2 or any legacy Aspen Avionics displays. Now it seems that I have to rebuy the system again in repairs? This vacancy is being advertised by Total Aviation Staffing, LLC. Aspen also is offering an upgrade path for its recently certified EFD1000 E5 electronic flight instrument announced in March 2018. ADS600-B, Part Numbers 200-0012 and 200-0013. I think its applicable and related. Press J to jump to the feed. Aspen calls the E5 a Dual EFI (electronic flight instrument) because its really a dual instrument, replacing the traditional mechanical attitude indicator and directional gyro in one split display. The lower half of the EFI is the navigation display, which has 360-degree and ARC compass rose displays. . Garmin GNC 420W/420AW, Garmin GNS 480, Garmin GTN 625/635/650/725/750, Garmin GPS 400W/500W, Garmin GNS 430W/430AW/530W/530AW. Jerry. The center button on the bottom of the display is for selecting/coupling the navigation source for the electronic CDI, which can be GPS1 or VLOC1, for example, depending on the external interface. The left knobs primary function is for setting the E5s course value, and its also used to bug an airspeed. This AD also requires revising the AFMS to reflect each disabled unit. I believe it shares the same processor as the E5. Aspen Avionics products are available from Pacific Coast Avionics, your avionics and pilot supply superstore. Well I agree that the clip in panel is crap but the actual efd is supposed to have a grounding strap on the back of it connected to the mount so it shouldn't fall more that that would allow. Think basic utility. On the ground everything was normal, RSM was calibrated with no issues. I do think part of the reason Garmin has fewer failures is the closed architecture that allows them to control what is interfaced with the pfds. Legacy attitude and airspeed instruments must be maintained with the installation, but the removed VSI or HSI have been bought back by some installers for a customer credit. Your previous content has been restored. At first blush the E5 may look like the first-gen Evolution that Aspen has been selling since the beginning, but its quite different and uses Aspens new display and processor technology. We think the E5 has an intuitive feature set thats rather shallow compared to higher-end Aspen displays, and Aspen took a logical approach to the user experience. It also requested that other operators who have experienced similar failures report the event to the FAA. Unfortunately, since then my new Aspen E5 has been performing poorly in the 9 months since installation. Between that, units consistently going out of cal especially in the cold, and the garbage clip-in panel mount (we've had a couple customers end up with the efd in their lap) it's pretty bad. I don't think any shop will be able to diagnose it any better than I can as I am an installer. The glideslope indicator (VDI) is placed up on the attitude display, as is the localizer (LDI) display. Since we issued SAIB SW-18-31, additional analysis of the reports of uncommanded resets and the nature of the possible unsafe condition were evaluated, and we have determined that a more urgent safety need requiring AD action is necessary. The FAA-approved software update 2.10.2 in March 2020. But if youre already having headaches with failing gyros, or youre planning a full-panel overhaul anyway, the EFD1000 seems to be delivering on its promises. The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. This needs to be done. Not saying that is it but its just interesting. Thats a bugaboo with other legacy Aspen displays, and a compromised pitot reference can result in the loss of all primary flight data-even attitude. SHARE; ASPEN E5 SYSTEM WITH TOP MOUNT RSM. The FAA requests that owners and operators of any ADS-B IN (FIS-B) enabled aircraft and the owners and operators of Aspen EFD flight display notify the FAA contact listed below of any similar events. This is a good point. Rather, the hard part is going back to steam gauges after youve flown behind this thing for a while!. All rights reserved. Sure, many have been plowed up for houses or 2023 Aviation Publishing Group. Arming NAVGPSS - Allows NAVGPSS to be armed from the HDG mode. She is a private pilot, certificated aircraft dispatcher, and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -. they have all failed more than once. Unlike Garmins G5 series, which are two separate instruments (attitude and directional), Aspens E5 combines both an electronic DG and attitude display. The RSM installs much like an external GPS antenna and its placement in an interference-free area on the top of the fuselage is critical for accurate heading resolution. No matter which Aspen you chose, youll need to consider a backup strategy. Full-Time. EA-100 was sent to Aspen for 24-Hour shake/bake/freeze and tested good. For this report we put the new E5 on our test bench to see how the feature set compares with other Evolution displays. At this point it appears to be a faulty EA-100 like the others have had. Five hot keys to the right of the instruments navigation display toggle various features on and off, including the built-in GPS steering. Job specializations: Engineering. - E5 is just connected to an ifd440 and an Stec-30 via the Aspen ACU Let that sink in. Its still significant dollars and not headache-free to go glass with the Aspen. Quality control seems like a major problem. While this issue seems to be dissipating (although not completely gone), its another reason to go with a shop thats done several installations. I also remember a software conflict being a problem for IFD driven g500s. . Sure, on the Airbus I enjoy a display that is twice as large. By DON GRESSMAN, May 2, 2017 in Avionics/Panel Discussion. I will continue to look for aspen related threads and hopefully someone can help shed some light on this. In several cases, part of the motivator was the cost of the alternative. Aspen said it designed the new display for better automatic dimming and even at the lowest brightness, the screen doesnt lose its clarity. However, in that cockpit, the distance from my eyes to the PFD is more than twice what it is in my 310. Make sure you their is not any ferrous material nearby, make sure you do not use power tools to install. During the time of the reset, the pilot might not have any EFD displayed information including access to altitude and airspeed for up to one minute. EFD1000 E5 Dual Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) Install Manual 1) Use RSM doubler as a template to mark shim stock. When the system detects the pitot obstruction is clear, the degraded message goes away and the AHRS resets. 3rd reset) On departure at ~5k ft in Dec - high power/RPM:::Logs downloaded and sent to Aspen. Listing for: Lockheed Martin Corporation. There are still a disproportionate number of failures of Aspen boxes and EA100 adapters to warrantthe FAA to issue an AD. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. I was commenting on the fact that BECAUSE it was done in accordance with the STC then a shop would be able to troubleshoot the system accordingly and as accurately as you. Listed on 2023-03-01. I also had a chance to speak with David on the subject. Install an Aspen unit primarily if you need the functionality (slaved DG, GPSS). The FAA has recently been notified that there have been numerous reports of Aspen EFD1000 PFD, EFD1000 MFD, EFD1000 EBD, and EFD500 MFD units with software version 2.9 and the ADS-B IN (FIS-B . Salary. a working HSI, that could be a couple thousand dollars worth of credit. Thanks for the welcomecarusoamyes, looking back it has been painful but as I was going through it I really believed it was "fixed" each time a replacement came in. If thats your goal, and you arent comfortable with the E5s single attitude source, youll have to buy an electric (or electronic) backup AI. He fixed avionics problems (the old system was replaced three times) by switching to an Aspen Avionics Evolution system, and a valve problem with the engine was cured long ago. The rear chassis also houses a rechargeable (and field-replaceable) backup battery, a 44-pin D-Sub connector and a cooling fan. Use an experienced shop and expect an initial shake-down period. The hard part isnt getting used to the Aspen. 35 instances of display systems automatically resetting have been reported. - I've flown about 80 hours since original E5 install The FAA admits in the AD that the commentary period is largely mute because an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption.. Our Field Service Engineers were able to help you with some basic checks, but now needs to go to a dealer. Additionally, the first click when the knob is turned (or the first press on the knob) wakes up the knobs function. The lower center button is for selecting the navigation sources for the electronic CDI and for entering and exiting the menu and for reversion or manual power control. My Bendix/King HSI was giving me problems. Keep leadership and co-workers apprised of work progress and/or problems. yepsame here.puts a real crimp on flying. The FAA approved software v2.10.2 in March 2020 addressing the infrequent but potential reset issue of Evolution MAX series displays and we have successfully implemented this software change for affected customers, Aspen said. Easy Apply. If you need help finding a dealer in your area, I will be happy to help. While the Aspen can run for 30 minutes on its internal battery, total power loss would leave you with no navigation ability. See if any of this link matches your experience That is it !!! And that's sad for a $7k (installed) piece. This website contains many older reviews. A a lot of double talk and side steeping the real issue of Aspens reliability issues which are discussed at nauseam on all the forums! Avionics; Aspen Owners Survey: An Overall Thumbs Up After some growing pains, this retrofit is performing well. At Oshkosh, Aspen Avionics sponsors a base in the North 40 campground, offering an air-conditioned lounge and refreshments for the wide range of its 14,000-plus customers who fly into the show . We will be able to go from there. By Wish I could say the same about my GTN 650. ADS600-B, Part Numbers 200-0012 and 200-0013. The directive applies to Aspen Evolution 2000 MAX and Evolution 2500 MAX systems running software version 2.10 or 2.10.1 in aircraft where independent attitude, altitude, and airspeed backup instruments have not been not installed. . One rectangle width is equivalent to one ball width of a conventional inclinometer. "Evolution Pro MAX 101" is designed to cover basic functionality of the Pro MAX series with an eye toward helping users "streamline their flight operations." The course is hosted by Aspen . The latest iteration of this is a new app that emulates the functions of the Aspen EFD1000 flight display. - There is no ADSB-In info being fed into the systemI use a portable stratus and ipad/foreflight for weather/traffic. Any help from the Aspen/Avionics Guru's out there is greatly appreciated! Share this story. Slip/skid is indicated by the lateral position of the white rectangle under the roll pointer. ). Contact www . The non-TSOd, STC-approved EFD1000 E5 EFI is Aspens answer to Garmins budget-based G5 EFIS displays. We should be practicing partial panel as part of our currency anyways. Just to test my EA-100 Aspen charges $500. Checked wiring. There are notable exceptions, but they seem to be clustered in the earlier installs, which is the trend we want to see. B) Reboot the avionics stack in a hold or something and then re-program the approach and hope the pitot issue clears up for the Aspen. Big plusses are. Theres also the numeric display of the current magnetic heading, the selected heading and selected course. Check out the capabilities and the information available on Aspen Avionics displays when shooting an approach. We guarantee the lowest price! Join their team of dedicated and passionate professionals, fueled by the most powerful brand in private aviation, as they continue their mission of democratizing the . Resetting the AHRS each time we got it to fail 3 times in a row. Aspen Avionics has populated the field with over 20,000 Evolution EFIS displays over a 10-year span and is the latest to offer a budget-based EFIS with the $4995 EFD1000 E5 Dual EFI. The left and right buttons have no function on the E5. We were able to replace the RSM, recalibrate, and finish the airplane. That means the rest of the existing traditional instruments have to stay in the panel. One item that did come up in our survey is that while the Aspen has an internal GPS, it has no direct-to function as it has no database. Americas owner-flown aircraft enthusiasts and active-pilot resource, delivered to your inbox! 2023 Madavor Media, LLC. It estimates the total fix time at half an hour, mentions that Aspen is working on a permanent fix for the problem so its features can be turned back on, and in essence says to do this now. . Display as a link instead, That would make a perfect replacement for your turn coordinator. The result is an Belvoir Media Group, LLC. (Courtesy of Aspen Avionics) We are dedicated to finding the root cause of this problem and solving it. The MAX display upgrade comes with a fresh two-year warranty. There are numerous shops in the greater Los Angeles area that will be able to help diagnose the problem.
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