Narrative:

The CE680 fleet has had numerous software issues since original certification of the aircraft. In earlier software versions we were unable to use single cue flight director commands and the autopilot pitches the aircraft down (rather than up) when an overspeed occurs. The latest (phase 5) software supposedly fixed some problems; but created others. For example:1. Phase 5 software has a limitation of using the autopilot no lower than 700 ft AGL during a coupled ILS approach.2. Phase 5 software does not allow previewing the approach course until within 25 miles of the destination. This limits the time for landing preparation.3. Phase 5 software auto sequences the navigation system from an ILS to the missed approach (GPS) when go around is selected. In addition; there are numerous subtle changes that differ from those of earlier versions that impact normal flight operations. Our fleet is currently has some phase 5 aircraft and several others with earlier software versions. This leads to a great deal of confusion when moving between aircraft; which can occur daily.1. The FAA should conduct a recertification review of the CE680 avionics software. There have been and continue to be issues that have serious safety consequences. Cessna and honeywell don't seem motivated to fix these problems and air crews continue to find problems and 'learn' how the phase 5 software operates through trial and error. The airworthiness of this entire software package should be given a complete recertification. 2. The company should provide training on the various software versions as they evolve. To date; the total training provided to flight crews on phase 5 software has been a handout in recurrent class and a five minute discussion; this is totally inadequate! Training should include a thorough review of each software change and time in the simulator to experience the various modes of operation and how they impact operations. Flight crew are learning the new software through tribal knowledge and trial and error. These software changes must be thoroughly learned prior to using it in actual weather in flight! This is a serious safety issue that will result in an accident if the company continues to short change training to reduce costs!

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CE680 Captain laments the latest software upgrade to the aircraft without adequate information or training by the company.

Narrative: The CE680 fleet has had numerous software issues since original certification of the aircraft. In earlier software versions we were unable to use single cue flight director commands and the autopilot pitches the aircraft down (rather than up) when an overspeed occurs. The latest (phase 5) software supposedly fixed some problems; but created others. For example:1. Phase 5 software has a limitation of using the autopilot no lower than 700 FT AGL during a coupled ILS approach.2. Phase 5 software does not allow previewing the approach course until within 25 miles of the destination. This limits the time for landing preparation.3. Phase 5 software auto sequences the navigation system from an ILS to the missed approach (GPS) when go around is selected. In addition; there are numerous subtle changes that differ from those of earlier versions that impact normal flight operations. Our fleet is currently has some Phase 5 aircraft and several others with earlier software versions. This leads to a great deal of confusion when moving between aircraft; which can occur daily.1. The FAA should conduct a recertification review of the CE680 avionics software. There have been and continue to be issues that have serious safety consequences. Cessna and Honeywell don't seem motivated to fix these problems and air crews continue to find problems and 'learn' how the Phase 5 software operates through trial and error. The airworthiness of this entire software package should be given a complete recertification. 2. The company should provide training on the various software versions as they evolve. To date; the total training provided to flight crews on Phase 5 software has been a handout in recurrent class and a five minute discussion; this is totally inadequate! Training should include a thorough review of each software change and time in the simulator to experience the various modes of operation and how they impact operations. Flight crew are learning the new software through tribal knowledge and trial and error. These software changes must be thoroughly learned prior to using it in actual weather in flight! This is a serious safety issue that will result in an accident if the company continues to short change training to reduce costs!

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.