New Products

Products from AEA in Vegas!

It’s that time again! The 56th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show is a unique opportunity for Maxcraft to connect with manufacturers, distributors, and other shops to learn what is new in avionics. We sent our service managers; Clarke and Ryan down to bring the knowledge back to train our technicians and inform you what is new. Here is a short summary but as always feel free to call to learn more:

• Universal Avionics FlightReview™ is a FMS Flight Data Reduction and Playback Software that gives you the ability to access and review past flights and approaches

   

• ADS-B Solutions – Many new solutions from Aspen, Garmin, Avidyne, etc. These boxes will provide compliance for the US requirement and provide traffic and wx without subscription fees

• Garmin – They have been busy this year with many new products worth looking at.
  • G3X – New avionics for the homebuilt market. The G3X price has been reduced and many new sub products have been added – ADHARS, Angle of Attack, Engine interface modules, and most importantly a digital autopilot at an amazingly low price
  • GTN750/650 certification for helicopters – Garmin has optimized the GTN GPS/NAV/COM touchscreen series with new features and capabilities that address the specific needs of helicopter operations. These enhancements include; environmental qualification, meeting stringent helicopter vibration and temperature testing standards optional Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility, optional built-in Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS). Read more here
  • GRA5500 – All-digital radar altimeter by Garmin. The new high performance, all digital GRA 5500 radar altimeter for helicopters general aviation and more. The GRA 5500 works to provide smooth altitude tracking resulting in consistent and high accurate altitude above ground indication.  Read more here
  • GTS825/855 – Enhanced traffic systems with higher power and greater range.

• Cabin entertainment systems – The good news is that there are many choices for wifi, satcom, and entertainment systems. It’s vitally important you match the system for your needs and have a shop install it who knows the technology. Call us to discuss.
• Digital Audio Panels – We have been big fans of digital audio systems for complex, high demand cockpits often found in helicopters. There are now a numerous companies offering this technology such as Becker, Cobham, Geneva, and Jupiter.
• Jupiter -The JA95-001 pictured below may look similar to other audio controllers.  However, there are some MAJOR differences that set this unit above its competitors. Product Configuration Software (ProCS™), which is Windows™ based, is used to define or change all adjustable parameters in the audio controller. No trimpots or dip switches! Also, units can be cloned or adjusted in the field without removal from the aircraft. This means that only one unit needs to be ordered to cover many different mission configurations. These features mean no more waiting (or paying) for customized units to be manufactured. Formal qualification testing has been successfully completed and CAN-TSO C-139 (technical standard order) has been granted by Transport Canada.  The JA95-001 uses newer technology, has more features and is lighter and less expensive than any comparable product on the market!

This aircraft is privately owned but managed professionally by Blackcomb Aviation.  The 2003 Agusta 109E helicopter, is known as “the limousine in the air”. Maxcraft installed a Latitude S100 Satcom tracking system and L3 Skywatch Traffic Advisory System. We also installed provisions for a VHF FM portable transceiver and power converter.

We did some audio system modifications, tested the weather radar system and updated the Americas database on his moving map (where the traffic is also displayed). 

This aircraft was flown down from Penticton during one of the few clear days this winter. This customer had his primary wish list of a glass panel to install but he also had a significant list of “while you’re in there” list. 

The Garmin G500H glass panel went in quickly as we know our wayaround that product having installed more than anyone else in Canada. We also installed the new GTN750 GPS/Nav/Com and installed remote mounted GMA35 audio panel and GTX32 transponder that are both controlled by the touch screen on the GTN750. Very cool!  Also on the list was repair and paint door panels, upgraded the GNS430 to WAAS , an external mirror kit and more.

The customer had one more thing on his wish list. The need was to be able to see the skids while landing, adding a camera on the tail and then having it displayed on the G500H would solve that problem. Some of the additional benefits are great video of in-flight and an extra camera that shows the cockpit view.

See the video here of our external camera.

Vendor Profile

Who is Francisco?

Francisco Ruiz is our featured employee of the month.  Francisco is an Instrument Repair Senior Technician.  His specialty is repairing and overhauling gyroscopes.  Francisco fixes navigation, engine and flight instruments.  Francisco has added to capabilities of the company and always tries to provide customers with the greatest possible coverage.  He has the ability to repair a wide variety of equipment such as airspeed indicators, altimeters, attitude indicators, HSI’s, CDI, RMI, ADI, and accessories such as tach generator, clocks, etc.

Francisco has been working on aircraft instruments and equipment for over 35 years.  His favorite part is working on gyroscopes.  Francisco feels that gyros are by far the most important and interesting part of instrument repair as they require a thorough understanding to maintain and provide pilots with the essential references necessary to establish correct orientation of an aircraft.

Francisco has had an interest in aviation since he was a child.  When he was old enough, he joined the School of Aeronautical Technicians of the Colombian Air Force located in Madrid Cundinamarca, Colombia. While there, he became a ‘Fixed Wing Aircraft Technician’ and in the final year, was sent to the Inter American Air Forces Academy which was located in Panama City (now
located in San Antonio Texas). Francisco received first place in his class among students form various other Latin America countries such as Venezuela, Guyana, and Honduras.

Since retirement from the Air Force, he has worked as a ground instructor as well as a bench and field maintenance technician for the fixed and rotary wing fleet of the Colombian National Police.  In 2007, Francisco was hired by a Canadian Avionics shop at which time he moved to this beautiful country.

Francisco is happily married to Gloria Ramirez and has 3 children.  His favorite food is Italian and he is a really good chef.  Francisco enjoys spending time with his family and tinkering with his cars.  Francisco has been with Maxcraft for over a year now and it’s a pleasure to have him as part of the team.  We look forward to tasting some of his homemade cooking!