Garmin G1000 Problem Affects GA Deliveries

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A problem with a component of the Garmin G1000 glass panel, a popular choice for avionics in many general aviation aircraft, has stalled production and delayed deliveries at factories around the country as Garmin searches for a fix. The problem stems from a sudden increase in failure rates in recent flight tests of new GRS 77 AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) units used in G1000 installations, Garmin said on Tuesday. A component failure in the GRS 77 results in a loss of attitude information on the primary flight display. “After communication with Garmin’s OEM partners and the FAA, it was determined that in all G1000 installations, continued safe flight can be conducted with the stand-by attitude indicator and other available instruments,” the company said in a statement. “If pilots should experience a failure of the GRS 77 AHRS, they should follow standard procedures and refer to the standby attitude indicator.” Garmin spokeswoman Jessica Myers told AVweb that the problem does not need to ground any airplanes. “We have not placed any limitations on operation of the aircraft,” she said on Tuesday evening. “Day VFR, night VFR, day IFR, night IFR” all are unrestricted, she said. “We are working as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the problem and what the fix will be,” she said. “But I do not have a time frame.” A service advisory is being prepared, the company said. The glitch has occurred only in G1000 primary flight displays manufactured on or after May 1, 2007.

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