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What's The Situation With Garmin Upgrades For Its GTX 330/33 Xpnders?
We have received many inquiries from customers regarding the status of software upgrades for Garmin GTX 330/330D and GTX 33/33D Mode S Transponders. Over the past few months, Garmin has issued several software upgrades for these transponders to address a potential safety issue, described in FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-10-15, regarding the possibility of intermittent suppression of air-to-air interrogation between GTX 330/33 equipped aircraft and other aircraft using certain collision avoidance systems.
Briefly, here's the current situation: If you have a GTX 330/330D or GTX 33/33D (non-G1000 application) with software version 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.04 or 3.05, it is subject to the above AD and must be upgraded to at least version 3.06 to legally operate in controlled airspace. Garmin will cover the one-hour software upgrade to SW 4.01, the latest version, under warranty, including removal and reinstallation of the transponder. Tests required by FAR 91.413 (replacing a transponder unit after maintenance) is not covered by the warranty and is chargeable to the customer. However, if your transponder has SW 3.06 or SW 4.00, upgrading to SW 4.01 is a customer option and not covered under warranty. You can tell what software version you have, as it is displayed at power up on either the GTX 330 front panel or the GNS 480 (CNX80) screen for the GTX 330/33.
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A Kings Avionics technician tests an upgraded GTX 330 transponder before reinstalling it in the customer's aircraft. |
There is an unexpected bright side to upgrading to SW 4.01, or having previously upgraded to SW 4.00. Besides allowing you to legally operate in controlled airspace, it will provide changes to implement Mode S Elementary/Enhanced Surveillance, which is a requirement to operate in Europe and will probably also be required in the U. S. in the future. We hope this simplifies what has been a somewhat confusing situation for some aircraft owners.
If your equipment needs to be upgraded, we have the software to do it. Just call us and we'll get it done for you promptly. To make an appointment, or if you have questions, call us at 801-539-8412. Ask for Doug Hayden or Stuart Ashenden.
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