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Welcome to our May edition of MaxNews. Since last summer we have been hard at work completing one of Maxcraft’s most involved projects to date. The result was Maxcraft receiving Supplemental Type Certificate approval for our glass flight deck on the Dash 7. With the first Dash 7 complete and back home in Yellowknife at Air Tindi’s hangar, we are hard at work on the second aircraft in the fleet and look forward to completing the remainder of the fleet. You can read our writeup of the Dash 7 project below, along with some news about new product releases, other aircraft projects, and the usual articles you expect from MaxNews.
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New Products/Announcements
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Garmin adds optional audio panel capability to GTR 205 COMM radios
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Garmin announced new updates for the GTR 205 and GTR 205x slimline COMM radios that add optional integrated audio panel capabilities, including a four-place intercom, dual-COMM switching and COMM playback. The GTR 205 COMM radio/audio panel for certified aircraft and GTR 205x COMM radio/audio panel for experimental aircraft offer affordable modern avionics audio solutions, allowing pilots to communicate with confidence.
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Garmin continues to grow portfolio of aircraft approvals for GFC 500 and GFC 600 digital autopilots
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Garmin announced it has received additional autopilot approvals in several aircraft models for the GFC™ 500 and GFC 600 digital autopilots. The Beechcraft Baron A55 is approved for the GFC 600 while the GFC 500 has received certification for Robertson STOL (short takeoff or landing) equipped Cessna 180 and Cessna 185 aircraft, adding on to the already certified Cessna 180 and 185.
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Garmin introduces GCO 14, its first carbon monoxide detector for aircraft
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Garmin announced the GCO™ 14 carbon monoxide (CO) detector, a remote-mount sensor that can integrate with select Garmin avionics to monitor CO levels and alert aircraft occupants of potentially harmful CO levels. The GCO 14 adds a new layer of situational awareness in the cockpit and provides peace of mind to pilots and their passengers, knowing the invisible threat of CO is being monitored.
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The GCO 14 seamlessly integrates CO level monitoring and alerting into GTN™ Xi navigators, GI 275 flight instruments and TXi™ flight displays. Pilots can view the current CO level via a dedicated page or user data fields. In the event where potentially harmful CO levels are detected, the GCO 14 can provide both aural and visual alerts.
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Jupiter Avionics introduces JA80-020, JA23-130, INST-JRail, JA71-SASxx and the JA71-xxx line of products.
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The JA80-020 is a compact Panel Mount 4 Place Intercom that provides transceiver access for both Users 1 and 2.
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The JA23-130 is 30 Watt – Panel Mount – Speaker Amplifier that offers up to 3 Differential Audio Inputs and One Mic Input with Bias Voltage.
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The INST-JRail series provides a convenient method of installing Dzus mount products into a 6.25” tray mounting and is available for different Dzus heights.
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The JA71-SASxx incorporates a ‘B’ size, one inch diameter mounting ball. A phone or tablet may then be conveniently installed on the console and adjusted using a mount available from an extensive range of third parties.
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The JA71-xxx Headset Jack / ELT switch / Pen Holder Dzus mount panels in 3 or 5 Dzus height options.
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ACR Electronics announced its ARTEX ELT 5000 Emergency Locator Transmitter with Distress Tracking has received FAA TSO C126c certification
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ACR Electronics is excited to announce that its ELT 5000 Distress Tracking (DT) For GADSS Compliance received FAA TSO C126c certification for installation on a second commercial aircraft manufacturer and adds a fifth aircraft platform.
The ARTEX ELT 5000 provides the next evolution of ELT Distress Tracking technology to be approved to the new ICAO Global Aeronautical Distress Safety System (GADSS) requirements. ELT 5000 provides both in-flight tracking and post-flight localization in a single crash-resistant unit. When integrated as part of an Autonomous Distress Tracking system, like the ARTEX ADT 5000, the configuration fully complies with all of the ICAO and EASA GADSS requirements.
Now FAA TSO-C126c Approved
Learn more at GADSS.com
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Collins Aerospace has announced a comprehensive avionics upgrade program for Beechcraft King Air and Hawker aircraft
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Collins Aerospace has announced a comprehensive avionics upgrade and modernization program for Beechcraft King Air and Hawker aircraft, spanning Collins’ Pro Line Fusion® and Pro Line 21™ advanced avionics systems.
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Intuitive, Eyes-Forward Touchscreen Control
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Split your PFD and MFD – put everything you need to fly right where you want it
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Quickly change routing for weather, respond easily to ATC reroutes or enter a holding pattern by simply touching waypoints on the displays. Menus and information appear when you need it.
The modernization program advances aircraft performance and safety while also equipping cockpits with technologies that reduce pilot workload, enhance situational awareness and enable efficiency and capacity improvements. The program includes:
- Upgrading Pro Line 21-equipped King Air 200 and 300 series aircraft to Pro Line Fusion.
- Comprehensive system upgrades for factory-installed Pro Line Fusion King Air 200 and 300 series aircraft.
- Pro Line 21 modernization upgrades for King Air 200 and 300 series aircraft.
Hawker 750, 800 and 900 series aircraft will also benefit from Pro Line 21 modernizations, further extending the operational capabilities and safety features while also meeting next-generation airspace requirements.
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uAvionix introduces the AV-HSI PMA and the AV-APA PMA line of products
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The AV-HSI PMA enables essential course and glideslope guidance for ILS (Instrument Landing System) and Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approaches.
Interfacing with most panel-mounted GPS navigators through three ARINC 429 channels (2 RX, 1 TX), the AV-HSI PMA accessory for the AV-30 communicates course and glideslope guidance for display on the AV-30 during GPS and ILS precision instrument approaches and navigation.
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The AV-APA PMA (analog port adapter) accessory enables aircraft owners with legacy autopilots to replace their old, heavy, vacuum-driven directional gyro with a more capable, lighter, digital AV-30 and potentially remove their vacuum system entirely.
The AV-APA PMA emulates the analog heading signal used by legacy autopilots to provide heading hold as well as the ability to follow GPS tracks from a portable or IFR GPS.
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True Blue Power Introduces New 45-watt Charging Ports
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True Blue Power Introduces New 45-watt Charging Ports for 14- and 28-volt Aircraft expanding USB power product line to reach all BA, GA, and commercial markets with full range of 15W, 36W, 45W, 60W and 100W USB chargers.
TA245 Series charging ports are available in five configurations, including single and dual USB-C (45W), and USB-A (36W), with adjustable halo ring lighting. The TA245 provides reliable convenience power to smartphones, tablets, electronic flight bags (EFB), and laptop computers. Its ultra-compact design, measures 1.5 inches wide and 1.25 inches deep. This ensures easy installation in tight spaces, including in-seat, cabin, cockpit and galley applications.
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True Blue Power Unveils High Voltage 6,500-watt Converter
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True Blue Power Unveils High Voltage 6,500-watt TC6500 DC-to-DC converter for 270 VDC to 28 VDC conversion to power avionics and other related systems onboard business, commercial, defense, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft.
Weighing just 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg), the TC6500 high voltage converter is compact, lightweight and easy to install anywhere in the aircraft, including inside or outside of the pressure vessel. It can be easily installed in parallel for increased power output and redundancy, without the need for additional wiring. Remote On/Off capability, military-grade connectors, and a rugged aluminum chassis ensure the TC6500 delivers superior performance and reliability in demanding 270-volt applications.
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As part of a large avionics upgrade project, Maxcraft Avionics has developed a collection of STCs for a fleet of De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash 7) aircraft for installation of Garmin G700 TXi Flight Display System with GI 275 Standby Instruments, GWX Weather Radar, GSR 56 Satellite Radio with GDL 60 Datalink, GTN Xi Navigation System, GTS Traffic, GTX Transponder, Collins ALT-4000 Radio Altimeter and Jupiter Audio & Cabin PA System.
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Installation of Garmin G700 TXi Flight Display System with GI 275 Standby Instruments Primary and Multifunction Displays with Standby Instruments for pilot and co-pilot positions under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-006/D.
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Installation of Garmin GWX 8000 Weather Radar to display weather radar information on both Pilot’s and Co-pilot’s MFDs as well as on both GTN 750Xi’s under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-007/D.
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Installation of Collins ALT-4000 Radio Altimeter for display of data on Pilot’s and Co-pilot’s G700 TXi PFDs Primary Flight Displays under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-008/D.
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Installation of Garmin GSR 56 Satellite Radio and GDL 60 Datalink System for display of Datalink Weather on Pilot’s and Co-pilot’s MFDs and GTN 750Xi navigators, along with display and control of SATCOM through the GTN 750Xi under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-009/D.
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Installation of Garmin GTN 750Xi with TAWS for GPS/Nav/Com/MFD functionality along with integrated Class A TAWS (Terrain Awareness Waring System) under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-010/D. The G700 TXi’s mounted within each pilot’s primary field of view function as the primary TAWS displays.
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Installation of Garmin GTS Traffic and GTX Transponders Systems enabled as a GTS 8000 Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) with dual Garmin GTX 3000 transponders (Mode S/ADS-B) under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-011/D. Traffic information is displayed and controlled from each G700 TXi and/or GTX Xi navigator, including traffic system resolution advisories on the vertical speed indication. The transponders are controlled from the GTN Xi navigators.
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Installation of Jupiter Avionics JA95 Audio System and AEM LSA-100 PA Amplifier under Maxcraft STC P-LSA25-012/D. Dual JA95-001 are the main aircraft Audio Panels while the Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) LSA100-100 PA amplifier facilitates standard pre-recorded announcements as well as integration for Pilot and attendant announcements.
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Air Tindi operates a fleet of DHC-7 (Dash 7) aircraft primarily in Canada’s north. Operating this close to the Earth’s magnetic poles presents an interesting problem for modern magnetometer systems. Together Air Tindi, Maxcraft, and our vendors developed a solution to modernize this fleet with a glass panel avionics solution which is optimized for northern operations.
Read more here.
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“Their team delivered a solution that seamlessly integrated modern avionics into a classic airframe, addressing numerous obsolescence issues and compass unreliability without compromising the Dash 7’s original design philosophy.”
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This customer reached out to us while shopping for a PA46 to upgrade to from his Beechcraft Baron. After finding the aircraft for him, he flew up from California, to our facility in Pitt Meadows where his JetProp would undergo an upgrade similar to the many PA46s we’ve had come through our doors in recent years.
Read more here.
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“Between the layout of the avionics and the autopilot, Maxcraft made single pilot operations in difficult and congested conditions a breeze.”
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Maxcraft partnered with the team at Pacific Rim Aviation Academy to transform one of their Cessna 172s used for pilot training from ab-initio, to advanced commercial and IFR this aircraft is ready for anything. By removing the old school gyroscopic instruments and replacing them with solid state Garmin electronic flight indicators, this 172 will be able undergo the many maneuvers student pilots put aircraft through which cause wear on gyro instruments but don’t even make solid state instruments blink.
Read more here.
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“This upgrade elevates our fleet and transforms pilots’ flying and cockpit experience. Maxcraft’s team, from start to finish, made the upgrade project seamless and enjoyable.”
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After waiting for over a year for another shop to begin this installation, this duo of pilots came to Maxcraft to upgrade their Van’s RV-7A with a full Garmin glass panel. Working closely with the pilots, we perfected the layout of the custom cut instrument panel. This new layout and our state-of-the-art powder coating was a game changer in both the use and aesthetics of the final product.
Read more here.
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“From the moment we started talking to Steve, we could see Maxcraft serious. They were professional, communicative and could handle our plane and panel with ease.”
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Safeguarding Your Aircraft’s Avionics Repair Costs
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Major Avionics manufacturers such as Honeywell and Rockwell Collins offer avionics service protection programs that eliminate costly repairs, protecting your investment, minimizing downtime and reducing lifecycle costs, while facilitating priority support at the fixed contract price.
As aircraft avionics are a significant investment worth protecting, these service plans are designed for both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and offer extended full-coverage warranty program for specific manufacturer avionics or mechanical components and even engines.
When a piece of avionics or mechanical equipment fails, and a business jet or helicopter is grounded because of it, the aircraft owner can’t afford to wait for a repair. To remedy these costly delays, the service programs offer owners and operators access to a world-wide network of exchange units with AOG level service. The replacement part will ship to the aircraft with the highest priority, minimizing overall delays and down time.
The market that these programs are designed for is based on the exponential cost difference in components as you move out of General Aviation into Business and Commercial aircraft. The price is based on flight hours and is usually predicted at the beginning of the contract year. This gives operators the piece of mind that they won’t be faced with an unforeseen additional repair cost when something breaks, but rather the ability to budget and minimize financial implications.
These service protection programs market leaders are Honeywell (MSP) and Collins Aerospace (CASP) and offer the following services:
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Maintenance Service Plan (MSP)
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Honeywell’s Maintenance Service Plan (MSP) is an extended warranty program that offers full coverage for all Honeywell avionics. With a variety of coverage options, a maintenance service plan allows you to choose the plan that best meets your needs. Specially priced plans are also available for fleet operators.
- Full coverage on exchange and repair services
- Fixed price with an annual contract
- No-charge loaners
- 24/7 AOG emergency service
- Fully transferable warranty contracts
- Paid airfreight
- Factory-backed support
- Flexible payment and renewal options
- Global network of authorized sales and service centers
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Collins Avionics Service Program (CASP)
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Complete and immediate coverage of avionics and cabin entertainment systems. No pre-inspection or buy-in fees. The Collins Avionics Service Program (CASP) enables corporate aircraft operators to maximize dispatch reliability, reduce life cycle costs and minimize downtime.
- Rental/exchange
- Removal and refit coverage
- Comprehensive reliability upgrades
- Component repairs and no faults found
- RVSM recertification
- Full program portability with aircraft sale
- Discount for early enrollment
- Consolidated annual billing
- Improved aircraft resale value
- 24-hour service
- AOG priority parts support
Avionics service protection programs offer a variety of options, including the duration and equipment specific coverage as well as tailored solutions for fleet operators.
These programs are an asset for aircraft owners and operators who wish to mitigate lengthy and costly downtimes with unparalleled worldwide support – any place, any time.
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With headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona and 750 sites across 80 countries, approximately 48,000 employees manufacture and manage HONEYWELL AEROSPACE products and services that are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. They build aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more, and connect many of them via their high-speed Wi-Fi offerings. Honeywell solutions create healthier air travel, more fuel efficient and better-maintained aircraft, more direct and on time flight arrivals, safer skies and airports and more comfortable flights, along with several innovations and services that reflect exciting and emerging new transportation methods such as autonomous and supersonic flight.
Honeywell is inventing technologies that address some of the world’s toughest challenges in energy efficiency, clean energy generation, safety and security, globalization and customer productivity. They have an unrelenting focus on performance, quality, delivery, value and technology in everything they make and do. Honeywell is building a world that’s safer and more secure, more comfortable and energy efficient, more innovative and productive.
Honeywell Aerospace Core categories:
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In summary, since the invention of autopilot in 1914, Honeywell has been a leader in innovation for the Air Travel industry. Today, thousands of Honeywell products are used in aircraft and airports around the world.
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Jeff has been with Maxcraft for the past 3 years in our aircraft services department. Like most of our Avionics Technicians, Jeff attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Electronics program. With his course beginning in September of 2020, Jeff got the entire “COVID experience” throughout the entirety of the program.
In December of 2021, Jeff was hired by Maxcraft shortly before his BCIT graduation date in February of 2022. By the end of February Jeff started his journey as an apprentice avionics technician. With this being his first job in aviation, Jeff appreciates the variety you see working at Maxcraft. One day might involve troubleshooting a minor snag on a Cessna, while the next day might have you deep into a major upgrade on a transport category aircraft. No two days are truly the same.
Jeff’s role has expanded to include even more variety than the average avionics technician. Jeff’s eagerness and ability to learn and absorb information has resulted in him taking on a major role in our parts sales department, often times assisting customers who require time critical parts to keep their aircraft in the air. Customer satisfaction is a huge driver for Jeff, and he feels proud when our customers are happy with what we provide them, be it parts, maintenance, or installations. Jeff is also a key contributor to our health and safety committee, and his previous career experience has made him an invaluable asset to our building and equipment maintenance teams.
Before transitioning to the aviation industry, Jeff worked as a field engineer for the oil and gas, and industrial power industries. (He even sat on a live turbine being used to power Portland) This career had him traveling throughout Canada and the United States working on a wide variety of industrial equipment. In his personal life, Jeff has an interest in computers, often passing the time by gaming, riding his ebike, or detailing his electric truck. The pandemic also resulted in him picking up an interest in cooking, which landed him the prestigious role of official Maxcraft BBQer during the summer months.
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With the generous Trade Up Program, you’ll earn up to $400USD trade-in credit towards the latest in aviation headset technology
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Purchase a new GDL 60 datalink with PlaneSync, then rebates can be earned by purchasing additional products
Offer is valid until June 27, 2025
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Clichés:
Flying is hours of boredom, punctuated by moments of stark terror.
Speed is life, altitude is life insurance
Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.
It’s better to be down here wishing you were up there, than to be up there wishing you were down here.
One peek is worth a thousand instrument cross-checks.
Experience is a hard teacher. First comes the test, then the lesson.
Always remember you fly an airplane with your head, not your hands.
Never let an airplane take you somewhere you brain didn’t get to five minutes earlier.
If it’s red or dusty don’t touch it.
Hovering is for pilots who love to fly but have no place to go.
If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger, if you pull the stick back they get smaller.
If you’ve got time to spare, go by air.
Those who hoot with the owls by night, should not fly with the eagles by day.
Do you see that propeller? Well, everything behind it revolves around money.
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Looking for a turn-key freshly rebuilt 1977 Cessna 185? Contact Maxcraft for more details on how to make this best in class aircraft your own.
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250 – 18799 Airport Way, Pitt Meadows Airport (CYPK), Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4
YVR Office – 4360 Agar Drive, Richmond BC V7B 1A4
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