MK V EGPWS - PCMCIA Data loading media issues and resolution

Effectivity: Challenger 300/350, Challenger 60X/650, Global Express, XRS and 5000

ATA 34-42, 46-00

By: Maxime Boyer-Beaucage - Wide Body Technical Services

The Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), known as Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS) on Challenger 605 and Challenger 650 aircraft (MK V P/N 965-0976-0XX-XXX-XXX installed on Bombardier aircraft) uses Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) to upload Terrain Databases and software update. Back in December 2017, Honeywell released Service Information Letter (SIL), D201712000005, where they disclosed issues with the new PCMCIA made by FMJ Storage Inc. that were introduced due to obsolescence of Smart Modular Technologies card.

Initial FMJ card design issues:

• Were not made with a write-protect switch causing some of these cards to fail during data loading resulting in a card lock up and unrecoverable state. These failures were coming from a timing issue within the EGPWS beyond the component tolerances of the card.

• Were manufactured using thicker Type 2 Cases that would touch the A2 CCA and create a short on the board without the conformal coating.

At time of the initial SIL release, Honeywell had informed operators of the availability of a newer PCMCIA card with a write protect switch that would prevent failure from the EGPWS timing issue by turning the switch to the ON position while loading data to the unit. Card without write-protect switch may be returned to Honeywell for replacement.

Since then, FMJ Storage Inc. has developed a newer card made of the Type 1 Case, 3.3 mm, preventing any short with the A2 CCA board. These latest designed cards have been available for purchase from Honeywell since April 2021 under the same Honeywell P/N 300-1079-021.

Operator may refer to SIL D201712000005 Revision 1 or later posted on the Bombardier Customer Portal for more details.