Garmin’s release of a new version of its experimental G3X avionics system not only marks a major move into a big market but also the expansion of its Team X, a group of engineers and designers paving the way to new lower-cost products for experimental aircraft. The G3X system can be seen this week at Garmin’s booth (No. D-034) at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, Fla.
Electronics
April 5, 2013 - 11:43am
Standards organization RTCA will establish a new group in the next several weeks to expedite the development of standards that will enable unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to fly in unrestricted airspace in the U.S. The new group—Special Committee 228—will further the work of an earlier group that is being discontinued because of concern over its slow progress.
April 4, 2013 - 1:45am
Universal Avionics has completed helicopter vibration testing and approval for its UniLink UL-800/801 communications management unit (CMU), expanding the company’s line of products designed for the helicopter market. The UniLink UL-800/801 is an ACARS-compatible CMU that includes digital ATIS, pre-departure clearance, aircraft tracking, messaging, weather information and graphics. The system is also provisioned for the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network, providing a platform for future compliance with emerging datalink requirements.
April 3, 2013 - 3:55am
The FAA’s new final rule allowing pilots to update navigation and avionics databases took effect on January 28. The rule covers “updating of databases used in self-contained, front-panel or pedestal-mounted navigation equipment.”
April 3, 2013 - 12:40am
Satcom Direct held its 9th annual conference in early February, bringing together not only its own customers but also a variety of hardware manufacturers and other companies that benefit from and provide services via satcom. The conference grows every year and is evidence that the steady pace of satellite communications development has led to a greater variety of airborne telecom services–and even some reductions in pricing–for aircraft operators.
March 28, 2013 - 3:10pm
Universal Avionics announced a new extended warranty program for owners of Universal products this week at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Las Vegas. The new FlightAssure program is available after expiration of the original two-year warranty and for most older Universal avionics units.
Customers have been asking for extended warranties, according to director of product support Andy Seaton. “They want stability in operating costs. Costly repairs might not be budgeted, and this way they don’t have to worry about a surprise.”
March 27, 2013 - 1:25pm
The Aircraft Electronics Association used the occasion of the 56th annual AEA International Convention and Trade Show to introduce its first Avionics Market Report, an accounting of what participating OEMs sold in the previous year. Nineteen OEMs participated in this year’s report, including Bendix/King, Garmin, Rockwell Collins and Honeywell Business & General Aviation. The gross sales for last year, including forward fit and retrofit units sold, totaled $6.3 billion, according to the report.
March 27, 2013 - 1:00pm
Jettech has added the Citation V to its expanding fleet of Garmin G600 RVSM-equipped 500-series Cessna Citations. The FAA has awarded Jettech a supplemental type certificate for the glass-panel EFIS installation modification covering 259 legacy 560-series Citations. With this STC, Jettech now offers installation kits for the Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and the 560 with serial numbers 0001 through 0259.
March 27, 2013 - 12:50pm
Constant Aviation of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has named David Bowman v-p operations. Bowman joins the organization from Honeywell International, where he spent more than 28 years in various management positions, including several years in senior leadership roles. In his last role as senior business manager, site leader, he was responsible for overseeing multiple locations within the company’s aviation electronics aftermarket repair and overhaul business. Bowman will oversee the MRO’s four locations and more than 200 employees in Cleveland.
March 26, 2013 - 2:40pm
Aircell’s Gogo Biz in-flight Internet service for business aircraft will be expanded to include coverage over Canada starting in the first quarter of next year, the company announced today. At present, Gogo Biz allows passengers and flight crews to have high-speed Internet access above 10,000 feet in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, tablets, smartphones, electronic flight bags and other mobile devices. No roaming fees will be assessed when using Gogo Biz in Canada, Aircell noted.
