Repairing a faulty LCD backlight in a Dynon SkyView glass cockpit on a piston twin is a delicate and complex task that is not typically a field repair. The most common solution is replacing the entire display unit through a factory repair or a remanufactured unit. Dynon has a robust repair process that involves diagnosing the unit, replacing the faulty components, and returning it to the customer with a full warranty. This approach ensures the highest level of quality and safety for a critical flight instrument.
Diagnosing Backlight Failure
A failing LCD backlight can manifest in several ways:
- Uneven Brightness: The screen may have dark or dim patches, indicating that some of the backlight LEDs have failed.
- Flickering: The display may flicker, especially when the aircraft is vibrating, which can be a sign of a loose connection or a failing LED driver.
- Discoloration: A failing backlight can sometimes cause the screen to have a yellow or greenish tint, as the LEDs lose their color consistency over time.
- Complete Darkness: In the worst-case scenario, the backlight fails completely, leaving the screen dark and unreadable. The unit may still be working, but with no illumination, it is unusable.
These symptoms are often a sign that the LEDs themselves or the circuit board that drives them are failing.
The Professional Repair Process
Dynon’s SkyView displays are not designed for field repair of internal components like backlights. Attempting to open the unit and replace the LEDs can lead to permanent damage and will void the warranty. The correct procedure is to follow Dynon’s official repair process:
- Contact Dynon Technical Support: The first step is to contact Dynon’s technical support to report the issue. They will have you perform some basic diagnostics and check for any error codes. They will then issue a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.
- Remove and Ship the Unit: The display unit is carefully removed from the aircraft and shipped to Dynon’s repair facility. This is a crucial step that should be done by a qualified avionics technician to ensure all wiring and connectors are handled properly.
- Factory Repair: At the factory, technicians will open the unit in a clean room environment. They will replace the faulty LED backlight assembly and any other components that are found to be out of specification. The unit is then reassembled and undergoes a rigorous series of functional tests and calibrations before being shipped back to the customer.
- Reinstallation and Testing: The repaired unit is then reinstalled in the aircraft. The avionics technician will perform a full functional check, including a ground run-up, to ensure the unit is working correctly and communicating with all other avionics systems.
The Aero Center Advantage
At The Aero Center, we are specialists in the maintenance and repair of twin-piston aircraft, and we have extensive experience with Dynon SkyView systems. Our technicians are highly trained in diagnosing these complex issues and can facilitate the entire repair process for you. We have the authority and expertise to work on these sensitive avionics systems, giving our customers in California, Arizona, and Nevada the social proof they need to trust us with their aircraft.
We are the only 24/7 maintenance center in the region, a unique selling proposition that allows us to drastically reduce aircraft downtime. We understand that a display failure is a significant safety concern and a major inconvenience. Our commitment is to provide a professional, timely, and lasting solution, ensuring that your aircraft’s avionics are restored to full functionality and safety.
Footnotes:
- https://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/support.html
- https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/19_phak_ch17.pdf
- https://www.aviationconsumer.com/accessories/first-word-dynon-installs-hows-it-working/
- https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/files/SI1384B.pdf
The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.