Aspen Avionics has reached a record of 500 installations of its Evolution Flight Display system for helicopters, through a combination of sales to OEMs and used aircraft panel refurbishments. The Aspen Evolution is modular and designed to fit into the round holes left by analog flight instruments, making for a simpler and lower cost way to upgrade to glass displays.

The displays are now a factory option on Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters. The most recent FAA STCs include the R44, Airbus Helicopters EC120, MD Helicopters MD 369, 530F, 530FF, 520N and 500 and the Bell 206.

To celebrate the milestone Albuquerque, N.M.-based Aspen has invited noted Red Bull helicopter pilot Chuck Aaron to be at its booth on Wednesday, March 4 at 2 p.m. to meet and mingle with Heli-Expo attendees. Aaron is the only helicopter pilot certified by the FAA for helicopter aerobatics in the U.S. He's one of only three performing helicopter aerobatic pilots worldwide.

Phoenix Heliparts now has an STC for installing the Evolution displays, including the Pilot, Pro 1000, Pro 1500 and Pro 2000 in various MD helicopter models including the 369, 530F, 530FF and 520N. The installed package includes an integral air data computer and an attitude heading reference system.