The FAA recently issued an STC for the Astronics Max-Viz 1500 enhanced vision system (EVS) on Pilatus PC-12s equipped with video-capable multifunction displays. The system permits pilots to see more clearly at night and up to eight to 10 times farther than the unaided human eye in many obscured visibility conditions.

“Max-Viz EVS is an affordable solution for increasing pilot safety and situational awareness by eliminating any requirement for a head-up display,” said Elliott Troutman, executive vice president of Max-Viz operations. Grant Sumpter, the company’s MRO sales account manager, told AIN he recommends customers use an authorized Pilatus customer service center for the installation.

The STC kit includes the Max-Viz 1500 sensor, power supply and unpainted fairing; the STC data package costs $80,000 plus labor. Installation should take between 16 and 30 hours, depending on the airplane. Sumpter noted that operators of legacy PC-12s also get a monitor as part of the STC kit at no additional cost. The price does not include any hardware or software upgrades needed to display video on existing avionics.