Dynon in Europe - Certification?

Don_Jack

I love flying!
Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
13
Hi
I'm fortunate enough to own a PtF aircraft in the UK, that is factory built with Dynon Equipment, here in Europe.
I have the dual Skyview screens, a SV-262 transponder, and a dual axis autopilot.
I was informed recently that in order to now comply with EASA rules, I had to have the aircraft returned to the factory, and that my Dynon transponder needs to be removed, my radio needs to be changed to 8.33kHz both to be replaced with a certified units, and that despite not being able to produce any documentation from EASA to the contrary, that the Dynon autopilot also has to be disabled, which is one of the safest pieces of equipment to use in controlled airspace you can imagine, and EASA wants to removed it, ineptitude has reached another level all together in my view.
I would like to say that both Dynon units have worked faultlessly for the last 3 years.
Questions for Dynon:
Have they been involved with any discussion with EASA concerning all their equipment that is currently fitted to many aircraft here in the UK and in Europe, as I'm worried this is just the thin edge of the wedge?
Is the new Dynon 8,33kHz radio's certified for use in Europe, as I'm being offered a Garmin replacement by the factory?
Is the SV-262, an approved transponder for Europe? The reason I'm asking is that the transponder manufacturer that produces the unit for Dynon seems to have the very same unit for sale that is approved, but for some reason that if its a Dynon product, all of a sudden it isn't, despite my documentation saying its an approved unit. Much confusion here with no one being able to give me a direct answer.
For me that's a lot of money I've spent for nothing, with considerable more expense now to change it out, why?
I've been told that my perfectly serviceable transponder needs to be removed and replaced with a Garmin unit. Hopefully you will appreciate a certain level of frustration on my part, if not on yours, that your equipment, as good as I know it to be, is being removed and being replaced with your competitor's equipment, at significant cost to the aircraft owner, i.e. me, and not a word from anyone on the matter.

I was waiting for the Dynon radio to be released at 8.33 so that I could have integrated this into my existing panel, but I take that this is as good as useless as well for Europe, being it isn't even being offered as a replacement by the manufacturer?
Another comment I received was that the Skyview system would be 'locked' in some way by the factory before being returned. Can you confirm this is something your are aware of?

Perhaps some kind of statement from Dynon would make things that like bit clearer, especially for those aircraft in Europe that were factory built, and still under a PtF certificate, but which might be as relevant for the new RTC aircraft, which I'm aware do also have Dynon equipment as their primary display.
Thank you for your comments
Don
 

AlanR

Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
187
Location
UK
Do I suspect you have a factory built Sportcruiser that was imported into the UK on a Temporary EASA permit before the type had full EASA certifiication and are now being slammed by CSA (the factory)to get it on to Full EASA permit?
This is going to get very expensive for you I think and why the LAA Permit Sportcruisers are more highly valued :(
 

aerofurb

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
76
Your frustration is all too apparent - and I'm not surprised. I'm sure we all would be equally hacked off if we were in your position.

I'm sure you don't mean it but your email can come across as though you hold Dynon to blame or at least in some way take responsibility for your problems that you are encountering thanks to the ridiculous laws we have in Europe under EASA. I don't think that Dynon can really be held accountable for the aircraft that their kit is installed in...

I understand that it isn't just SportCruisers who are suffering with the same PtF transfer problems have affected some Evektor aircraft as well.

Surely, your argument is with the UK importer/dealer (who no doubt has long since disappeared or changed allegiance) or the manufacturer.

One point of note though is that the new (EASA certified) Tecnam P2008-JC is equipped with G*rmin G3X screens as standard. Apparently, Tecnam worked with EASA to have non-certified avionics installed (PFD and map acreens) in a certified aircraft.

Have you spoken to the UK CAA Safety Regulation Group? There is now a 'GA' department who have a main base at the CAA's Luton Regional Office. It may be worth talking to them (the CAA do listen and do help) and seeing what they can suggest.

Perhaps there is a way that the CAA talk to the manufacturer of the aircraft and see if there is a way that the aircraft can be operated on a UK CAA PtF with the present kit installed. Worth a try.
 
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