which avidyne units does this affect?

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  Press Release

  For Immediate Release

    Date: November 22, 2016

    Contact: Lynn Lunsford

    Phone: (817) 222-4455

    Email: lynn.lunsford@faa.gov

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    FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Department
    of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today issued an
    emergency order suspending the authorization NavWorx Inc. uses to
    manufacture certain Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)
    navigation units. Such units, when properly manufactured and operated, help
    to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.

    The authorization, known
    as a Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA), enables suppliers to
    produce components for use on aircraft after proving that each component
    meets FAA standards. Federal regulations set forth FAA’s authority to
    inspect suppliers’ quality systems, facilities, technical data, and
    products to determine whether they meet safety standards. These regulations
    also provide that FAA may witness any tests necessary to determine a product’s
    compliance.

    The suspension order was
    issued after NavWorx declined on repeated occasions to allow FAA personnel
    to conduct the required inspections. The suspension is immediate and will
    remain in effect until NavWorx consents to the inspections and demonstrates
    compliance with FAA standards.

    The FAA is concerned
    that two versions of the company’s ADS600-B units, carrying part numbers
    200-0012 and 200-0013, may contain an internal Global Positioning System
    (GPS) chip that does not meet the FAA’s minimum performance standards for
    transmitting an aircraft’s accurate location. 

    On June 29, the FAA
    requested to inspect NavWorx’s facility to determine the specific GPS unit
    and software installed in part numbers 200-0012 and 200-0013, and if the
    units are marked correctly. NavWorx informed the inspector that he would
    not be allowed inside the company’s facility. During subsequent
    correspondence, NavWorx agreed to allow an Aug. 31 inspection but then
    denied access when FAA inspectors arrived.

    NavWorx later agreed to
    allow inspectors into the facility on Nov. 21 but they were again denied
    access. 

    Due to the company’s
    unwillingness to comply with these requirements, the FAA has determined
    that NavWorx’s continued use of its FAA authorization is contrary to the
    interests of safety in air commerce. During the suspension, NavWorx may not
    mark or otherwise indicate that its ADS600-B units meet FAA standards.

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