More complex ones have the aircraft in the shop for two weeks. As weve been reporting, prices for some retrofit primary EFIS systems have dropped to the sweet spot of around $5000 or less. But its not a big deal. This is a good point. The E5 cant display Aspens synthetic vision or the angle-of-attack data, and it requires the $1000 ACU for most autopilot interfaces. In the case of the entry-level E5, you might end up retaining the existing attitude indicator even though the STC doesnt require one. My big concern is what happens when the warranty runs out. Another complaint we saw was, surprisingly, the heat generated by the unit. All rights reserved. The services advertised by Total Aviation Staffing, LLC . @PeteMc The aircraft that was referenced was worked on June last year. Job in Littleton - Arapahoe County - CO Colorado - USA , 80161. The non-TSOd, STC-approved EFD1000 E5 EFI is Aspens answer to Garmins budget-based G5 EFIS displays. 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. This is thanks to a new regulatory certification process that sidesteps the pricey and time-consuming TSO process in favor of an STC. Where is Aspen's responsibility in all this? Are you saying mine is not installed per the STC? Company. Keep leadership and co-workers apprised of work progress and/or problems. Like the E5, the new MAX is a huge improvement in display performance. Please take your aircraft to a Dealer for troubleshooting. Unlike higher-end Aspen displays, the E5 doesnt have a traditional electronic HSI, but instead a basic CDI below the compass rose. As we go to press, Aspen is close to delivering the next-generation replacement for the Evolution Pro PFD with the Evolution MAX line. Page 74: Acu/Acu2 Installation. Something like an AV20s for less than $900 would suffice as a good backup. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! Just to test my EA-100 Aspen charges $500. 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. It must be mounted within 4 degrees of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and away from any interference sources. I think@LANCECASPERhas the ifd units and max displays. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. This AD requires disabling the ADS-B In function in each installer menu by changing the RS-232 INPUT for the bus connected to the ADS-B In to NONE. . Garmin GNC 420W/420AW, Garmin GNS 480, Garmin GTN 625/635/650/725/750, Garmin GPS 400W/500W, Garmin GNS 430W/430AW/530W/530AW. I've been fortunate so far as I have a friend with an uninstalled Pro-1000 and have been able to borrow some of his equipment, but he isn't using an EA-100. Important parts of the AD, all directly quoted: The FAA believes around 2,000 aircraft may be affected. The company is working on a range of aviation software and data products . 35 instances of display systems automatically resetting have been reported. I think its applicable and related. The E5 has a data bar that visually separates the upper and lower halves of the display. But the STC does allow removing the vacuum system. 2023 Madavor Media, LLC. Taking it to a shop is the best and correct course of action at this point. I also remember a software conflict being a problem for IFD driven g500s. April 24, 2022 in Avionics/Panel Discussion. 3 different ACU's Even though there is plenty of reversionary capacity (the right display can function as a PFD if the main PFD in the center goes down), plus a standby remote battery that powers the display if the electrical system tanks, the installation still requires a backup attitude indicator. Theres also the MAP (main application processor) board, a CPU and IOP (input-output) board for communicating with remote systems, mainly GPS navigators and VHF nav radios. 2nd reset) In cruise at ~8k ft in Sept - cruise power/RPM:::E5 replaced again by Aspen + New (blue) shielded RSM cable Nov - cable length less than 12 feet. We are currently recruiting an Avionics Maintenance Technician for one of our clients. You cannot paste images directly. Between our full-time technicians, we have over 50 years combined . The final EA100 came out of one of Aspens aircraft that had a good known working history. It's tempting to decry the disappearance of the classic country airport. With competition from the G5, I would think they would be motivated to keep you happy. Jerry. What Are the Best Aviation Headsets of 2020. The company said it has a customer . Any help from the Aspen/Avionics Guru's out there is greatly appreciated! The system is approved for over 650 aircraft, but we saw the vast majority in medium- to high-performance piston singles. They market it somewhat that it gives GPS backup, which it does not. GSS stands for Geological Simulation . You Tell Us, EAA To Host Webinar Event For Aspiring Aviators, National Museum Of The U.S. Air Force Celebrates 100 Years, FAA IACRA System Hit With Database Issues, FAA Nominee Quizzed On Aviation Knowledge, General Aviation Accident Bulletin, February 27, 2023, Pratt & Whitney Canada Passes One Billion Flight-Hour Milestone, AeroLEDs Introduces New Landing Light Series, Universal Avionics Receives TSO Approval For Aperture, MyGoFlights Head-Up Display Division Sold To Partner, AeroBrigham. With competition from the G5, I would think they would be motivated to keep you happy. Your link has been automatically embedded. 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. Job Description. . Theres also the numeric display of the current magnetic heading, the selected heading and selected course. I hope you can understand and empathize with me of the frustration that I have had with Aspen for about 330 hours of flight. Wish I could say the same about my GTN 650. He has posted a company statement on Beechtalk and Mooneyspace about the reboot issue and what they are currently doing to address the issue. Has anyone had problems with Aspen not powering up. I wont turn this into a this is better, He has an E5 showing similar unsafe behavior, i.e. 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 . Now you want me to spend $1000's more than I already have over this issue to have a DEALER tell me what I already know? Home / Avionics / EFIS / Aspen Avionics / ASPEN E5 SYSTEM WITH TOP MOUNT RSM. Until then, I can not help you. For those in this group withthem installed, I sincerely hope no one else is impacted; and for those who are or have been, that a solution is foundfor your safety and peace of mind, if nothing else. Good luck. There are numerous shops in the greater Los Angeles area that will be able to help diagnose the problem. Click here or above and get a free newsletter, plus choose your download: 172 Owners Guide, 182 Owners Guide, or Digital Magazine. I don't think any shop will be able to diagnose it any better than I can as I am an installer. "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 . 2) Fabricate shim from 2024-T3 aluminum with the four (4) mounting holes and 0.625" cable pass-thru drilled through. $30 to $45 Hourly. We are dedicated to finding the root cause of this problem and solving it. Keep leadership and co-workers apprised of work progress and/or problems. The New Mexico creator of the Evolution Flight Display that is the foundation of many glass cockpits now has deeper pockets. If thats your goal, and you arent comfortable with the E5s single attitude source, youll have to buy an electric (or electronic) backup AI. The AD goes into effect on Aug. 17, 2020, and is open for public comment until Sept. 14, 2020. Any one else having problems? These units are installed in different configurations on, but not limited to, the aircraft makes and models listed in the attachment below. Iron gyros and die? uncommandedresets. Easy Apply. Aerospace Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Systems Engineer. That means the rest of the existing traditional instruments have to stay in the panel. Familiarity with avionics manufacturers such as Garmin, Bendix-King, Honeywell, Avidyne, Aspen Avionics, Freeflight Systems to name a few Fluent in basic electrical theory Provide proof of good wire crimping and soldering techniques Must have own . Part Time, Remote/Work from Home position. In our estimation, even basic E5 installations might come in north of $7000. 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. This vacancy is being advertised by Total Aviation Staffing, LLC. Penn's quote broke down as follows: Pilotshop assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any . I assure you that we have thousands of EA100s flying the KFC 200 autopilot with no problems at all. Not saying that is it but its just interesting. Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviations most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. Reports on GPS-steering (GPSS) performance have been mixed. they have all failed more than once. RSM issues are by no means a deal breaker, but you. - I have the original 910-00003-002 RSM (E5/Top Mount) installed So having said that it gets pretty expensive to replace boxes on my dime. Aspen Avionics - Headquarters Locations, Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees Disable the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In function in each unit by following the Procedure, paragraphs 5.2.a. You also rotate the right knob to the left or right to decrease or increase the value of whatever is in the selected field. As for sourcing the nav and GPS data for display, the E5 works with GPS navigators with Arinc 429 outputs, and with analog VHF nav radios (KX155, for one) when using Aspens optional analog converter unit (ACU), which is a remote box that converts analog inputs to digital outputs. 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. Replaced Ethernet cable The FAA cleared the way for pilots flying with the Aspen Avionics Evolution 1000 Pro MAX primary flight display to integrate it with Garmin's GFC 600 digital autopilot, and other avionics. Unless otherwise noted, these reviews carry product pricing from the time of the original review. We liked the words of a Liberty XL2 owner who made the switch but has mixed feelings about the Aspen, Beyond the fad, think: If it aint broke, dont fix it. Revise the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement in accordance with paragraph 5.2.c of SB2018-01. The new FAA certified 900-HP Daher Kodiak 900 turboprop single combines TBM 960 and Kodiak 100 DNA into one airplane. COO could not confirm it, but that is likely from Aspen sales data. . FAA AD Jul 2017. 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. Think basic utility. 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. they have replaced parts in one plane 4 times. As mentioned in my email, it is best to have an Authorized Dealer take a look at the system and diagnose the problem. Clear editor. We should be practicing partial panel as part of our currency anyways. Pulling the ADS-B circuit breaker as described in section 3.2.6 of the Flight Manual supplement, has been demonstrated to resolve the issue. Aspen is reportedly working on an update and a fix. Would be possible for sure though, just not fun. 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 . And when we would go from 30 degree bank left to right or vice versa, the attitude would go crazy. Make sure you their is not any ferrous material nearby, make sure you do not use power tools to install. December 30, 2019 in Avionics/Panel Discussion. 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 dropped my vacuum system totally though. Penn Avionics was $11,551.00. 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. Unfortunately, since then my new Aspen E5 has been performing poorly in the 9 months since installation. Sign in to continue reading, FAA issues a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to alert pilots, By Plane & Pilot Updated November 29, 2018 Save Article. - E5 MAP software was 2.10 during all of this I'll probably sell it at a loss and install dual G5s on my dime when the GFC500 is available for short bodies. Apply online instantly. Have you negotiated with them to upgrade you to a PFD 1000? It also suggested that operators disable their ADS-B In (FIS-B) function by pulling the circuit breaker. Brant Aero kept me in the loop on progress and had the install completed at the agreed time. When Aspen Avionics announced its retrofit PFD system in 2007, we were impressed with the designs ingenuity and its workable price point. I've seen this a couple of times in the fleet I work with. I have current issues with Cies fuel senders and Aerospace Logic gauges so on a scale of 0-10 Jepp is a 0 for customer service, Avidyne a 1, Aerospace logic is a 3 . He enters 180 knots on his flight plan for this 1966 V-tail Bonanza (he knows he could get more if he used higher power . Pasted as rich text. Folks coming from other glass panels had little or no trouble with the transition, while others recommended a few hours with an Aspen-knowledgeable instructor. SAIB SW-18-31 was prompted by 14 reports of flight display units repeatedly . Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this. Avionics/Panel Discussion ; Aspen problems Aspen problems. 1 review for Aspen Avionics E5. With the additional"3100 Advanced Interface Unlock" option from Aspen available with their EFD1000 MAX units, the 3100 will display mode annunciations and allow for 2-way communication of target data from the PFD display and the S-TEC 3100. In several cases, part of the motivator was the cost of the alternative. Listing for: Lockheed Martin Corporation. Unfortunately, since then my new Aspen E5 has been performing poorly in the 9 months since installation. For example, the first action of the knob wakes it up and changes the corresponding label from cyan to magenta. The reset occurs between five- to ten-minute intervals. The AD does not apply to MAX displays that have been updated to software version 2.10.2 or any legacy Aspen Avionics displays. A good place to start is with Andy Smith from Aspen. Keep leadership and co-workers apprised of work progress and/or problems. In agreement with your post although I don't think you need to have dual E5s for reliability. Poll: Did You Watch the Dragon Splashdown? Aspen Avionics' GPS-backed Evolution Flight Display System has been installed on some 20,000 general aviation and small commercial planes and helicopters worldwide. Check out the capabilities and the information available on Aspen Avionics displays when shooting an approach. I also had a chance to speak with David on the subject. If it can replace a KI-256, and its from a well established company, it would be worth the premium to me. Pasted as rich text. 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. Powered by Invision Community. - E5 is just connected to an ifd440 and an Stec-30 via the Aspen ACU https://mooneyspace.com/topic/32905-aspen-pro-max-issues-communication-from-aspen-avionics/, https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/719027/pn/010-GI275-06, https://aspenavionics.com/pdfs/991-00144-002_(_)_OA2020-01_MAX_EFD1000__E5_Reset_Event.pdf, https://www.bendixking.com/en/products/aeroflight, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. 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. Once this is done, run the Aspen Properties Database Configuration Tester again and check if the issues have been fixed. This accessory adds $1000 to the $4995 base price. yepsame here.puts a real crimp on flying. Job. At extreme pitch attitudes, some sky (blue) or ground (brown) will always be displayed to help maintain situational awareness, even though the horizon line may be off-scale. Is it not obvious to me and many others that there are intermittent problems that Aspen should be learning from failed units like this in 300 hours? The FAA said the condition doesnt currently warrant an Airworthiness Directive, and it offered suggestions to avoid the problem. When Aspen Avionics announced its retrofit PFD system in 2007, we were impressed with the designs ingenuity and its workable price point. I have about 20 hours flying hand-flying IFR in IMC . They were the best company I have ever dealt with in making it right. Edit, if it matters mine is also paired to an ifd440, That is interestingso far, I've been able to find 4 Aspen E5 customers with this issue.all seem to have ifd440s. The FAA-approved software update 2.10.2 in March 2020. Even if the AD is explicitly about ADS-B traffic which the OP specifically listed as not even being fed into the system? One is coming back tomorrow with some rsm issues that need to be troubleshot. 35 instances of display systems automatically resetting have been reported. But sure, no harm in double checking that the SW version is current and that there really isn't any traffic info being fed to the unit. I bought this system as it was supposed to be more reliable than my old KI-256/KI-525. This is particularly critical when flying approaches and other precise procedures. Not sure I would want to do #2 during hard IMC. With an iron gyro, it can AND WILL do this, but give you no flags, no faults and your autopilot can and will follow it. Courtesy of Aspen Avionics. At extreme pitch attitudes (above 30 degrees nose up or below 25 degrees nose down), red unusual attitude recovery chevrons come into view, pointing toward the horizon or ground as applicable. 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. Interim Action:We consider this AD interim action. 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. EA-100 was sent to Aspen for 24-Hour shake/bake/freeze and tested good. Not sure if the E5 is governed by the same STC for IFR flight. The knobs are used for setting the course and heading, plus additional bugs and altitude settings. Additionally, with the replacement units, he would have gotten the newest firmware, surely, not something falling under an AD that was issued almost a year ago. May 2022 - Present11 months. Based solely on $$ though, they're not true competitors. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Introduction So my 1000 was sent back under a recall and a new Pro Max was sent back. This website contains many older reviews. 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.. But Aspen also offers other displays with more advanced features at higher price points, which muddies the buying decision. Share on Twitter; Share on Facebook; Share on LinkedIn; Share on Reddit; Share via Email; Join 110,000 readers each month and get the latest news and entertainment from the world of general aviation direct to your inbox, daily. I've had to replace my PFD-1000 and now the EA-100 is problematic. Greatly summarized, the FAA says to disable ADS-B In on EFD1000 and EFD500 units, then update theAirplane Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS) to prove it. **** So, here goes ::::: I'm now on my 3rd Aspen E5 unit since Feb 2019. EFD1000 E5 Dual Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) Install Manual 1) Use RSM doubler as a template to mark shim stock. We were able to replace the RSM, recalibrate, and finish the airplane. 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. I have a 1982 A36 with a Century III autopilot. It doesnt follow the magenta [line] too well on tight curves. Online/Remote - Candidates ideally in. SPEAKER: Uczekaj is president and CEO of Aspen Avionics. Clear editor. The overall satisfaction with the Aspen system seems quite high. This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) informs registered owners/operators of an airworthiness concern for aircraft with an Aspen Avionics, Inc. (Aspen), Evolution EFD1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD), an EFD1000 Multi-Function Display (MFD), and/or an EFD500 MFD unit as installed by Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) No. The right knob is for the heading bug (HDG), editing the selected altitude field (ALT) and baro (BARO) setting. When I ask customer support about similar reports, they don't seem to recall yours. Like the E5, the MAX PFD has a GPS-aided AHRS for pitot static system failures, an audio panel interface, a faster processor, onscreen font and window enlargement, plus the requirement for backup flight instruments is eliminated when a PFD is paired with a MAX MFD1000. The left knobs primary function is for setting the E5s course value, and its also used to bug an airspeed. We were recently 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) Weather Interface option repeatedly resetting itself in-flight. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. By Can you post who you have been dealing with, and then I can do the same. You can interact with each of the buttons and knobs and see the result on the simulated display. The primary input controls for the E5 are limited to two control knobs and the center button at the bottom of the display bezel. And lets be honest we practice partial panel during ifr training for a reason. The Dynon HDX system is equally as good in my opinion (Especially in the experimental world when you don't have to install the D10A as a backup- the g3x/G5 integration is a lot slicker admittedly) and the Dynon AP is pretty powerful- especially with the advanced FD panel and connected to the avidyne GPS navigator. Price was the decider two to one over the next most popular reason for choosing the Aspen system. Mooneyspace.com should be prepared to deal with it should the issue arise. Paste as plain text instead, SAIB SW-18-31 was prompted by 14 reports of flight display units repeatedly resetting, uncommanded, in flight. I was customer number five and the first in Kansas City. Sent to Aspen from external source. Was $5395.00 . As one Bonanza owner put it, It just made sense. In many cases, its quite warm or even hot to the touch in operation. Paste as plain text instead, In installations where multiple Aspen EFDs provide redundancy, this may result in loss of all altitude and airspeed reference during the reset period. The E5 is approved under an AML-STC (approved model list supplemental type certificate), which blankets over 300 aircraft models. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro. The MAX display upgrade comes with a fresh two-year warranty. Like every other Aspen Evolution PFD, the new E5 is several instruments in one. Share this story. Powers and grounds were replaced, the Ethernet cable was replaced, shielding was checked and the failure always happened on long cross country flights. Each press of this CDI nav source button selects the next available nav source, cycling through all available sources in a round-robin sequence. This is what it is supposed to do per the STC. The Evolution system can be expanded with the EFD1000 and EFD500 MFDs, which have just come on the market. Please take your aircraft to an Authorized Dealer to resolve this problem. Successive presses of the right knob will cycle through HDG and ALT in a round-robin sequence. The E5 is still considered a major alteration and has the supporting paperwork for installation in type-certified aircraft despite not having a TSO. 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. I've had 3 in-flight E5 restarts ( 1 on each E5 )the E5 just goes blank and reset as if it was normal: 1st reset) On final approach to rwy in Feb - approach power/RPM, gear going down:::E5 replaced by Aspen in Mar. 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. Then shoot the precision approach. You can post now and register later. Mooneyspace.com 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. Honeywell International Dynon Avionics L-3 Communications Holding Astronics Corporation Aspen Avionics Genesys Aerosystems Rockwell Collins Esterline Technologies Avidyne Corporation Garmin Ltd.