The FAA has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive # 2020-18-51 on the SAI 340 A P/N 306171-20 and the Bendix/King KI 300 P/N 306171-10. Sandia is currently working on a solution to this issue. When one is found units will be updated at no charge. In the meantime, all SAI 340A standby attitude indicators should be placarded FOR DAY TIME VFR USE ONLY.
At this time we do not have a schedule for the fix but will post updates on our web site at www.sandia.aero. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.
Click here to read the Emergency Airworthiness Directive # 2020-18-51
STATUS UPDATES
July 8, 2022 During our latest flight tests over the past two weeks, we subjected the SAI 340 to all TSO maneuvers and as well as maneuvers beyond the TSO limits. The unit has performed well on all flights. A total of 6 different units were flown in a C182. We are currently sending units to selected individuals for additional flight testing in a variety of aircraft
November 19, 2021 A flight test was conducted yesterday, Nov 18, to test steep turns on the SAI 340A. At all bank angles to to 70 degrees, both left and right, the unit performed within TSO requirements. Additional flight test is scheduled for next week.
April 26, 2021 One issue with the SAI 340A has been identified and corrected. The SAI 340A attitude could on occasion freeze up. That issue has been corrected. Flight testing this past week had good results with no pitch errors detected. A minor issue was seen with roll. Our engineers feel that this may be a simple issue to resolve, and we hope and anticipate additional flight test the week of 4/26/2021.
April 30, 2021 A flight test was conducted yesterday to test on another engineering software version. The conditions were clear skies with light chop. The flight test lasted about 45 minutes and the included climbs, descents and banks of 30-70 degrees. The unit performed well throughout the flight test. During 6-degree banks it washed out prematurely. We will be working on that issue this and next week.
September 14, 2021 The issue with the 6-degree bank has been corrected. We have had several flight test with the unit working in all aspects except steep turns (60 degree banks). That issue also appears to be corrected. Additional flight test are scheduled for the week of Sept. 20.