|
|
“Bringing you knowledge of the latest in avionics technology”
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Canadian Business Aviation Assoc.
Calgary, Alberta
July 5 – 7, 2016
BC Floatplane Association’s COPA
Fly In
Nelson, BC
July 15 – 17, 2016
Experimental Aircraft Assocaiton (Airventure)
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 25 – 31, 2016
Nationial Business Aviation Association
Orlando, Florida
Nov 1-3, 2016
|
Customer Comments
“Maxcraft has breathed new life into our legacy Cessna 414. A new G600 and set of GTN750s along with a new autopilot will ensure this aircraft gets many more years of service. This is the third aircraft that Maxcraft has refurbished an instrument panel for Adventure Aviation in the past year. We are very pleased with the work they do and their level of customer service.”
cheers Mike
Want to read about the full project?
More Successes
|
Avionic Humour
The scene is a newspaper office.
The editor says to one of his reporters: There’s a fire raging out of control west of town and I want you to get out there fast. And above all, get some good shots. If that means you have to hire an airplane, just do it. Don’t worry about the expense.
So, the reporter calls the local FBO and orders a plane. He rushes out to the airport, spots a small aircraft with a young pilot in it, pulls open the door, jumps in and says to the pilot: Let’s go, take off.
As directed, the pilot takes off, gets up to altitude, and the reporter then tells him, “See that fire raging to the west? I want you to fly over that and get down as close as you can.”
Incredulous, the pilot says, “You want me to fly over that fire?”
“Sure,” the reporter says, “I am a photojournalist and that’s why I am here–to take dramatic shots of the fire!”
The pilot looks over with a quizzical look on his face and says, “You’re not the flight instructor?”
|
|
|
|
|
| Why do we go to trade shows? New cool products at AEA and how well do you know Shadin Avionics? |
New Products/Announcements
Two of our staff members of attended the 59th Annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida last month. It was a four day event and is the largest avionics show in general aviation. While they were there, many companies announced new products:
1. GoGo Aviation announced: 
- A doubling of their Canadian coverage for their Air-To-Ground inflight broadband connection
- New lower bundled data plans
- Starting at $39/hr for text, voice, and data (no minimums or overages)
- Vision entertainment plans from $525 to maximum $895/mth
2. Mid-Continent’s True Blue Power showed off their new TA202 Series High Power USB Charging Port 
The TA202 Series simultaneously provides 3 amps of power per charging port. Available in single and dual USB Type-A and Type-C configurations.New antennas from Cobham for next gen transponders
3. L3 enhancements to their already successful  transponder
- A Class B embedded terrain awareness warning system (eTaws)
- ADS-B traffic advisory system (ATAS) aural alerting option
4. Avidyne continues to add features to their IFD series of GPS Flight Management Systems
- Synthetic Vision (SVS) displays are available on every version of their growing line of IFD-Series GPS FMS systems.
- IFD410, a GPS-only version of the IFD440
- The new IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV COM with the addition of an integrated Attitude Reference System (ARS).
- The new IFD100, an iPad-based application that mimics all the functionality of their IFD-Series GPS Flight Management Systems, and giving pilots a powerful new tool for managing their flight.
5. Our friends at Jupiter Avionics continue to expand their product line:
- JA71 Dzus blanking plate series
- JA71/77 Dzus Rail switch plates with removable legends
- JA72 Dzus Glove box and USB charger series
- JA37 Aural message generators
- JA35 remote summing amp
6. Rockwell Collins
- CASP expansion with new 100 hour minimums
Aspen Avionics adds compatibility to GDL-88 ADS-B. Aspen received a STC approval to interface their Evolution Primary and Multi-function displays with Gamin’s GDL88 dual band ADS-B datalink transceiver.
Garmin introduces the D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot Watch. We loved the style and functionality of the D2 Bravo and are excited to introduce Garmin’s Titanium version. Offering another level of sophistication to their already fabulous watch collection, this is a sophisticated smartwatch with a premium titanium band, wrist heart rate and more. Read more here.
 David Clark announces a new DC One-X headset. Featuring the perfect combination of comfort, technology and durability. Offering hybrid electronic noise cancellation, blue tooth wireless technology, fail-safe operation, digital signal processing technology, audio mute, stereo/mono selection, and a five year warranty. Read more here
Garmin
Garmin is introducing enhancements to the Garmin Pilot App.
- New global VFR flight plan filing
- Additional overlays to profile view and more
- The Canadian Flight Supplement will be in Garmin Pilot 8.3, available in the next week.
- The CFS may be viewed from the Airport page by selecting ‘AIP’
McMurdo announced a new 10-year standard warranty on its Kannad Integra Emergency Locator Transmitters.
|
In the Hangar:
Cessna 185 for Firefighting Operations 
In aviation, conventional wisdom dictates that some models of aircraft are more common to industrial and commercial operations, while others are more likely to be owned privately and for personal use. Individual aircraft that fall outside of these norms are uncommon and therefore have avionics configurations that are atypical to their model. Read more here.
|
The Technical Side:
Why go to trade shows?
Maxcraft participates in many trade shows throughout the year. It’s expensive and time consuming for our staff, so why go through the trouble? The short answer is that we consider keeping at on the leading edge of this industry to be a very worthwhile investment. Our goal has always been to be the most informed avionics consultants for our customer to reach out to. Without meeting our industry peers at these conventions, this would not be possible.
Trade Shows Explained:
We really participate in two types of trade shows:
Industry Training Shows – These are typically hosted by organizations like our Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) and are held both nationally and a regional smaller show. These are perhaps the most important and they provide us with valuable product training for our staff. We try and rotate through our staff of technicians, engineering, and the sales team so that all get to attend and receive training. The benefits are vast and here are some of the key value points we take away from the show:
- New Product Introduction
- Most vendors hold off announcing new products until the national AEA show (see our new announcements in the newsletter). We get a chance to learn the about features of new products so we can speak intelligently to our customers as well as getting trained on the nuances of the install.
- Product Training
- Not all installations are straightforward and by participating in recurrent training we get to learn about where the manufacturer (and other dealers) have encountered problems and what the workaround is. By staying on top of these issues we minimize surprises when your aircraft is on our shop floor and is one of the reasons that Maxcraft is one of the few shops who offer a guaranteed completion date.
- Industry Presentations
- The AEA is a well-run organization and has the attention of key players in the industry. The FAA, for example, routinely sends their top person, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to address our group. We learn the latest on ADS-B implementation, rule and regulation changes, etc. This is extremely valuable data that we are able to present to you when discussing future avionics upgrade options.
- Vendor Relations
- This is a hugely beneficial aspect of all our trade shows. We really value the very strong bond we have with our manufacturing vendors. We get to have a chance to have a dialogue with them on what direction they are moving and give them feedback on issues that we hear from our customers. When you need a special request for a vendor, the personal relationships we have fostered goes a long way to making things happen.
Aviation Conventions and Trade Shows – These are events that we will typically have a booth at and will be displaying some of our technology, capabilities, and knowledge. Currently we attend these all over North America although we are looking at shows further abroad.
- Potential Customer introductions
- This is where we get to start the dialogue with companies we haven’t yet met. It’s a great opportunity for both sides to get to know each other and for us to demonstrate specific hardware we bring to the show. It’s typically a busy show, day and night, and our sales team works hard at these events
- Customer/Vendor Meetings
- This is an opportunity for us to coordinate a meeting with a manufacturer and our customer together. These are usually coordinated beforehand and consist of product demonstration and strategic product planning. Without Maxcraft coordinating meetings like these, end users would be unlikely to get face time with key decision makers from the manufacturer.
- Maxcraft Seminars
- At many of the shows Maxcraft will host a technical seminar on some aspect of avionics. We have had discussion on ADS-B, Glass panel integration, Traffic systems, to name a few. Maxcraft has also hosted some extremely successful vendor seminars at our facility for our customers. Stay tuned we hope to feature another one this year.
Dealer Advisory Councils – Although not a trade show, and never promoted by the vendors, a few of the savviest manufacturers invite specific dealers to come and discuss the future direction of their company. I commend these companies as they are asking for advice from us on what we see in the field and how they can make better products. We can’t list names but if you see a company that consistently comes out with innovative game-changing products they are likely to have an Advisory Council. Maxcraft participates in these exclusive meetings, providing valuable feedback on behalf of our clients, and we are happy to participate in shaping future products.
This is only a very brief summary, but hopefully it reveals there to be more to trade show participation than is immediately apparent. One of Maxcraft’s guiding principles, one we often repeat to our potential customers is “Our focus isn’t to peddle you hardware; our goal is to have an interactive conversation about your needs, identify the technology that would address that, explain how the features would benefit you, and discuss the all-important cost ramifications. If at the end of this consultation, you can make an informed decision then we have done our job.” Of course we hope that you see value in that process and will give us your business. A key factor to fulfilling this goal however, is remaining as informed as possible, and hence the need to participate in these trade shows.
Trade Shows Maxcraft participates in:
|
Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association (PAMEA)
|
Richmond, BC
|
|
Heli Expo (HAI)
|
Roaming, US
|
|
Northwest Aviation Conference and tradeshow (WAA) or NAC
|
Puyallup, WA
|
|
NATA Northern Air Transport Association Tradeshow
|
Yellowknife, NT
|
|
Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC)
|
Roaming, Canada
|
|
AEA Annual Convention and Tradeshow (Aircraft Electronics Association)
|
Roaming, US
|
|
Viking DeHavilland – all operators forum
|
Victoria, BC
|
|
CBAA (Canadian Business Aviation Association)
|
Roaming, Canada
|
|
YPK Tradeshow
|
Pitt Meadows, BC
|
|
COPA Annual Fly-in and AGM (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association)
|
Roaming, Canada
|
|
AEA Canada (Aircraft Electronics Association)
|
Roaming, Canada
|
|
AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
|
Roaming, US
|
|
NBAA Convention (National Business Aviation Association)
|
Roaming, US
|
|
HAC (Helicopter Association of Canada)
|
Roaming, Canada
|
|
Shadin Avionics is global leader in avionics integration and data solutions with over 30 years in commercial, business, military and general aviation suppling solutions for both fixed wing and rotorcraft. Shadin has developed reputation for high quality products and unmatched customer service through its Flight Performance Systems product line. Shadin’s Fuel Management Systems, Engine Management Systems and Air Data Computers are considered standards in the industry with tens of thousands in active use.
Originally started as The Shadin Company by Rashid Reda, an avionics entrepreneur, the company is now Shadin LP dba Shadin Avionics and is a part of The Wright Group from Dallas Texas.
Under new leadership, Shadin has redirected its strategy toward aircraft modernization with the newly developed Aircraft Interface System (AIS) product line. The company is entering a new phase of growth with a mission to simplify avionics modernization through integration innovation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maxcraft is always looking for skilled technicans
As we continue to grow our business we are always looking for experienced avionics installation technicians. If you’re interested in joining our winning team send your resume to Joanna at Customer Service.
|
For Sale 
1974 PA28-151 Piper Warrior For Sale.
Contact Daryl for more information. daryl@maxcraft.ca
|
Rebates for your favorite products
SPOT sale!
Save 50% off the SPOT Trace, SPOT Gen3 and the SPOT Global Phone after mail-in rebate. Sale ends Sept. 4, 2016
Aspen Avionics June Promotion
Aspen is offering significant saving on the Evolution 1000 Pro PFD and the Evolution pro Plus PFD. Call us or come into Maxcraft for this June promotion. Offer valid until June 30, 2016.
Re-Think Lynx Promo
Sales on Lynx NGT-9000 Transponders, Active Traffic and more. Also sales on various Lynx NGT-9000D and optional equipment NGT-9000 models. Call us for more details! Sale on until end of 2016!
Stack and Rebate promotion
Bendix King is offering a Spring Rebate Program with sales on KSN Stacks, ADS-B rebates, RDR 2000 Rebates and KT 74 savings. Call us or come see us about the best rebate we can offer you!
If you would like more information or to pre-order please contact our sales department at sales@maxcraft.ca or 604-465-3080.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
