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With another EAA AirVenture behind us, there is still time to take advantage of the many rebates our vendors are offering. This edition of MaxNews is sure to keep you informed on the latest and greatest avionics, our newly approved Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), and a peak into the everyday operations at Maxcraft with our always popular “Who’s Who” article, along with some of the projects we’ve completed since our last newsletter to give you some inspiration for your own aircraft.
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New Products/Announcements
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Maxcraft Avionics has teamed with Air Tindi, the largest operator of the Dash 7 in the world, to retrofit its DHC-7 fleet of aircraft with a Garmin flight deck suite. We worked directly with Garmin to develop a solution specifically for Northern operators, such as Air Tindi, for flight north of 65 degrees latitude. Read more about this project here.
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Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp. saw its new modern MTP136D forest service radio receive critical Federal Communication Commission and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada certifications.
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ACR Electronics announced the launch of the ARTEX FTP-8800 ELT Programmer, its latest innovation to improve the functionality and operator experience for emergency locator transmitter users.
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Garmin Announces GTR 205x and GTR 205xR New Slimline COMM Radios for Experimental Aircraft
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Garmin is pleased to announce two new slimline radios for the experimental aviation market, building upon the recently introduced GTR™ 205 COMM radio series for certified aircraft. The panel-mount GTR 205x and remote-mount GTR 205xR COMM radios have the same feature set as the GTR 205 radio plus new intercom and audio features. The 1.35-inch GTR 205x matches the bezel height of previous-generation radios, enabling easier upgrades and diverse installation opportunities in space-constrained instrument panels
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The GTR 205x and GTR 205xR serve as an all-in-one radio and stereo intercom. A two-place intercom and speaker output allows easy communication between the pilot and passenger.
The panel-mount version of the GTR 205x will include Bluetooth® functionality1 for phone calls and media entertainment. Stream music from your personal electronic device via Bluetooth and see the song and artist on the GTR 205x display. Music playback controls allow a pilot to play, pause, skip or repeat tracks without needing to access their device. Pilots can receive incoming calls, view phone numbers, end calls, and see their device’s signal strength and battery life right on the GTR 205x display.
For aircraft with limited panel space or those wanting a simplified panel layout, the remote-mount GTR 205xR is also available. Compatible with G3X Touch flight displays, the GTR 205xR includes similar features as the panel-mount version. Pilots can use on-screen controls via G3X Touch to tune frequencies, change intercom settings and more.
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Garmin Introduces Color Mode Controller for GFC 600
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Upgrade Program Available Until End of Year
Garmin is pleased to announce the GMC 605C, a new color display mode controller for the GFC™ 600 digital autopilot.
The GMC 605C mode controller features a larger, sunlight-readable, color Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen that enhances the display of mode annunciations. The addition of color mode annunciations allows pilots to more easily differentiate between active and armed modes shown on the display. Mode annunciations are split into three sections on the display –– lateral modes, autopilot status, and vertical modes. This presentation aligns the mode controller display with the annunciations seen on Garmin TXi™ Flight Displays for easier reference by the pilot.
Upgrade to the new GMC 605C
Garmin is pleased to share that existing GMC 605 customers can upgrade to the newly announced GMC 605C. From now through the end of the year, customers can trade in their installed GMC 605 and pay a discounted list price of $5,995 when purchasing a new GMC 605C. The GMC 605C is a slide-in replacement for the GMC 605, but does require a Garmin Flight Display, GTN Navigator, and Yaw servo to be installed to meet installation requirements.
If you are interested in a new installation or upgrade, please reach out to us to confirm if your aircraft has already been approved under the initial STC. All existing aircraft already approved for GFC 600 will be transitioning to the GMC 605C with a future STC update.
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uAvionix Announces FAA Approval of the AV-Link for Certified A aircraft
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uAvionix is thrilled to announce the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of the AV-Link for certified aircraft. This approval expands the available functionality of uAvionix’s ecosystem of AV-30 panel displays, skySensor, and portable ADS-B receivers and transforms how these devices work with each other to display data for enhanced situational awareness and pilot efficiency in the cockpit.
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The AV-Link, a Wi-Fi companion module for the AV-30, is pivotal to enabling the display of non-certified ADS-B traffic data on certified avionic instruments. This integration is uncommon but significant, allowing pilots to affordably access comprehensive flight data through a streamlined, reliable interface. This means that traffic information can now be received by a Sentry portable ADS-B receiver, and simultaneously displayed on both the AV-30 and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).
Furthermore, the AV-Link facilitates seamless connections between EFBs and the AV-30, including forthcoming comprehensive integration with the class-leading ForeFlight EFB application. This integration promises to enhance operational efficiency by merging the robustness of certified avionics with the versatility of consumer-grade technology.
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Maxcraft STC Updates – April 2024
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TCCA STC SA24-1 provides installation approval of a top transponder and/or traffic system antenna for the pressurized Piper PA-46-310P (Malibu), and PA-46-350P (Mirage) aircraft. The top transponder antenna can be used to provide diversity functionality to ADS-B transponder systems to comply with the Transport Canada / NAVCanada ADS-B mandate.
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TCCA STC SH24-8 provides installation approval of Technisonic TDFM FM radio transceiver and antenna into Airbus Helicopters EC120B / H120. Either a single “FM 1” or “FM 2” may be installed, or both. The TDFM-136B is one of the most common FM transceivers in operation.
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TCCA STC SH24-9 provides installation approval of Garmin GRA55/5500 radar altimeter system into Airbus Helicopters EC120B / H120. The Garmin GRA55/5500 radar altimeter is a digitally-based airborne low-range radar altimeter designed to
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TCCA STC SH24-10 provides installation approval of the Garmin GTS series of traffic systems into Airbus Helicopters EC120B / H120. The traffic system provides visual traffic alerts on the GTN (Xi) Navigator and/or G500H (TXi) flight display, and aural voice announcements to assist in visually acquiring traffic
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TCCA STC P-LSH23-049/D approves modifications to aircraft lighting for compatibility with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) on Airbus Helicopters EC120B / H120.
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Maxcraft teamed up with Air Tindi to transform this 1959 Turbo Otter into a modern IFR workhorse. Operating in some of the most remote regions of Canada, Air Tindi has some unique operational challenges. This all glass cockpit will bring an added level of safety to their crew and passengers, along with a fresh new look, which is arguably better than when it left the factory.
Read more here.
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“The installation was flawless and certainly cleans up a busy looking cockpit. I’m still impressed how much information is cleanly displayed all on one screen.”
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Maxcraft orchestrated the complete transformation of this privately owned Beech King Air B100 from a swiss cheese panel with mostly original instrumentation, into a modern, one of a kind machine. With dual electronic primary flight displays from Garmin, Dual GTN 750s, and the S-TEC 3100 digital autopilot, this King Air will be a totally new airplane to the pilots. No detail was overlooked on this project. Every single panel, knob, cover plate, and much more, was completely refurbished. Partnering with our friend’s at Port Interiors, the interior aging original interior was replaced with an all custom interior that is truly fit for a King.
Read more here.
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“The install on my B100 is absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much to the entire Maxcraft team”.
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In Canada, large aircraft are required to be equipped with a flight data recorder (FDR). In the United States, this requirement is separated by the category of operation (e.g. Part 135, 91, etc.) These recorders are frequently referred to as the “black boxes” (despite being bright orange.).
The FDR requirements (in both countries) vary significantly depending on the category of aircraft (Part 25 – Large Airplane, Part 23 – Normal Airplane and Part 29 – Large Rotorcraft), the date the aircraft was initially type certified, the number of passenger seats and the category of operations (private, commercial or airline). System upgrades are often required when an aircraft’s type of operations changes.
The FDR records numerous parameters that can be used to assess the aircraft’s trajectory, attitude, control inputs, and the status of systems. Typical parameters include altitude, airspeed and heading. In the United States, FDRs found on aircraft built after 2002 are required to record a minimum of 88 parameters. Here in Canada the regulations differ based on the year of the aircraft, but most modern aircraft are equipped with models that record significantly more data than the regulatory minimum. For example, the FDRs carried on new Boeing 737-800 aircraft record over 1500 parameters, and those carried on Airbus 380 aircraft record more than 2800 parameters.
All recorders today use digital technology to record the flight data onto magnetic tape or solid-state memory chips. All new recorders use solid-state memory chips.
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An example of a “black box”
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The international technical standard for crash-protected flight recorders is document ED-112A, Minimum Operational Performance Specification for Crash Protected Airborne Recorder Systems, published by the European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) in September 2013. According to the standard, flight recorders must meet the following crash survivability standards:
• Impact shock – 3400g
• Static crush – 5000 pounds
• High temperature fire – 1100 °C for 1 hour
• Low temperature fire – 260 °C for 10 hours
• Deep sea pressure – 20 000 feet for 30 days
On fixed-wing aircraft, recorders are typically installed in the tail of the aircraft; this section is the most likely to remain intact in an accident. On rotorcraft, the exact opposite is true, recorders may be located in a forward location when possible. Each recorder is equipped with an underwater locator beacon or “pinger,” which activates when immersed in water and transmits an acoustic signal for 60 days.
The information from flight recorders is paramount in determining the sequence of events and understanding the circumstances leading up to an accident.
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An example of a Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder
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Some recorders combine a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and FDR, collectively known as Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders (CVFDR). These combined units can be used on rotorcraft, but on fixed-wing aircraft either a separate CVR and FDR, or dual redundant CVFDR systems must be installed.
Modern CVRs are manufactured to store up to 25 hours of data while also including a Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS) which enables data to be continually recorded for 10 minutes in the unlikely event of complete aircraft electrical failure.
A range of aircraft interfaces are available such as:
• ARINC-717 and ARINC-429 (auto-detection)
• Ethernet
• RS-422/485
• Analog and discrete sensor inputs
• Data Link recording
• Four high or low-fidelity audio channels (configurable)
• Rotor speed input
Flight Data Recorders can weigh as little as 2kg (4.5 lbs) and some can be installed in any orientation using captive hardware, which increases installation versatility.
Flight Data Recorders are certified to TSO-C124b,C124c recorder systems, and some provide state-of-the-art Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. FDRs are developed to RTCA DO-254 Design Assurance Level D.
The Canadian Aviation Regulations, CARs Standard 625.33 and 605.33 details regulatory requirements for Flight Data Recorders and specifies in detail the types of operations and aircraft that require a Flight Data Recorder to be installed.
Some key points that apply in respect of the following multi-engined turbine-powered aircraft:
(a) an aircraft in respect of which a type certificate has been issued authorizing the transport of 30 or fewer passengers, configured for 10 or more passenger seats and manufactured after October 11, 1991;
(b) an aeroplane in respect of which a type certificate has been issued authorizing the transport of 30 or fewer passengers and configured for 20 to 30 passenger seats;
(c) an aircraft in respect of which a type certificate has been issued authorizing the transport of more than 30 passengers; and
(d) an aircraft in respect of which a type certificate has been issued authorizing the transport of cargo only and operated under Subpart 5 of Part VII.
As technology advances, the future of Flight Data Recorders are bright, making it easier for the Transportation Safety Board to investigate, conclude causes of accidents and make recommendations for enhanced safety through manufacturing, maintenance and operation.
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Flight Data Systems was founded in 1990 in Irving, TX, and for over 30 years they have continued to revolutionize the flight data market with solutions for flight data acquisition, recording, storage, and analysis. Flight Data System has long been a leader in aircraft cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, colloquially known as ‘black boxes’. They were also instrumental in the design and introduction of recorder independent power supply (RIPS). As a consolidated model, both Flight Data Systems, FreeFlight Systems and are managed as one operation. FreeFlight Systems focus on making flying safer, and more efficient by developing innovative solutions for ADS-B, GNSS receiving, radar altimetry, and a wide array of other avionics.
Both Flight Data Systems, and FreeFlight Systems are part of the larger ACR Group of companies (ACR Group – Innovation that Saves Lives acrgroupcorp.com). Some of the biggest names in aviation safety are part of ACR Group, including Artex, Skytrac, and Latitude. ACR Group has a focus on safety and survival equipment including ELTs, PLBs, and a wide variety of GPS tracking systems for both the aviation and marine markets.
ACR Group Companies:
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The SENTRY CVFDR from Flight Data Systems is the lightest and smallest ED-112A compliant flight recorder currently in service today.
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Robinson, TX – Manufacturing and Part 145 Center Repair Station
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Flight Data Systems is AS9100D accredited and hold both FAA Part 21 design and Part 145 repair authority. A majority of their products are FAA certified at the LRU and installation level.
Flight Data Systems is 100% U.S. owned. A consolidated corporate management team and engineering team are located within the Irving, TX facility while manufacturing operations occur just over 100 miles away in their Robinson, Texas facility. The Flight Data Systems Readout and Services business is in the UK. They currently have a combined workforce of 76 employees on staff. The Company is an approved Department of Defense contractor (Cage Code: 1WAN0), and proudly employs a talented and experienced team of engineers, fabricators, and leaders.
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Irving, TX – Headquarters and Engineering
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Andrew Enjoying a Meal at the Flying Beaver at the Vancouver International Airport
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Andrew has been working on his avionics apprenticeship for almost 3.5 years. For the past 2.5 years of that, Andrew has been with Maxcraft. After completing the 1.5-year aircraft maintenance engineer “E” (electronics) course at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Andrew found a job at another local aerospace company where he worked for 10 months before making the switch to Maxcraft. Before getting started in aviation, Andrew worked as an intern in the R&D department at a tech company in Taiwan.
As an avionics apprentice, every day at work is different for Andrew. Depending on the projects in our hangar he could be working on anything from a simple pitot static recertification on a light general aviation aircraft, to a complex installation on a large transport category helicopter. His favourite project at Maxcraft so far has been the Caravan, which was his first project where he got to take lead of the installation.
Originally from Taiwan, Andrew moved to Canada to complete the BCIT AME-E program and has lived here ever since. Like many in the aviation industry, Andrew’s interest in aircraft stems all the way back to his childhood where he had dreams of working in this field. The first time he felt he had an interest in aviation was when he went on a glacier helicopter tour and got to experience the stunning views from above. While he doesn’t have a favourite type of aircraft, he much prefers helicopters to airplanes (the glacier tour may have given him some bias). Back home in Taiwan, Andrew has 3 pets, a dog, a cat, and a bird. Since moving to Canada, he has enjoyed visiting our many parks and going on hikes.
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Bose – A30 Headset Summer Promotion
For a limited time only, you can receive a free Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker in white (a $149.00 CDN value) with purchase of a Bose A30 Aviation Headset.
Click here for more details!!
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Whether you are an existing customer or new to Gogo, they are offering a rebate on their Avance L3 and L5 systems. Valid until October 31, 2024
Click here for more details!
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JP Instruments is having a rebate sale!
Purchase EDM 930, EDM 900 or others and receive a rebate from $200 – $1500 USD.
Valid until Aug. 30, 2024
Click here for more details!
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Lightspeed has is brought back the Flight Instructor and Professional Pilot Program for special rebates on headsets. US$200 on Lightspeed Delta Zulu or US$100 for Zulu 3!
Click here for more details!
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The Pilot and the Priest
A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates.
Ahead of him is a guy named Don McPherson, who’s dressed in sunglasses, a
loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans.
Saint Peter addresses this cool guy, ‘Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?’
The guy replies, ‘I’m Don McPherson, retired American Airline pilot from Palm Springs CA.’
Saint Peter consults his list. He smiles and says to, the pilot, ‘Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom.’
So Captain Don goes into Heaven with his robe and staff. Next, it’s the priest’s turn. He stands erect and booms out, ‘I am Father Bob, pastor of Saint Mary’s for the last 43 years.’
Saint Peter consults his list. He says to the priest, ‘Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom.’ ‘Just a minute,’ says the good father. ‘That man, Don, was a pilot and he gets a silken robe and golden staff and I get only cotton and wood. How can this be?’
‘Up here – we go by results,’ says Saint Peter. ‘When you preached – people slept. When Don flew, people prayed…’
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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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