Bonanza J35 and a Bonanza M35 nose to tail in Maxcraft hangar

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In the hangar this week: not one, not two but three V-tail Bonanzas. These are  fairly uncommon planes to begin with, so  finding three in one hangar at the same time is a rare occurrence.

The Beechcraft Bonanza is an American built aircraft introduced in 1947.  It’s is a six seater, single engine aircraft with six cylinders, and low wing configuration. The model 35 with both retractable landing gear and its signature V-tail elevator-rudder (called a ruddervator), it is one of the more efficient and distinctive private aircraft in the sky. Ruddervators are not the only unique feature on the Bonanza. Here’s an interesting excerpt from Wikipedia:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAll Bonanzas have an unusual feature; the yoke and rudder pedals are interconnected by a systems of bungee cords that assist in keeping the airplane incoordinated flight during turns.  The bungee system allows the pilot to make coordinated turns using the yoke alone, or with minimal rudder input, during cruise flight. Increased right-rudder pressure is still required on takeoff to overcome engine torque and P-factor. In the landing phase, the bungee system must be overridden by the pilot when making crosswind landings, which require cross-controlled inputs to keep the nose of the airplane aligned with the runway centerline without drifting left or right.  

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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David Clark announces the new DC One-X headset

The David Clark DC ONE-X ANR Headset features a great combination of comfort, technology and durability. david clarke

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, and comes with a host of features not found in any other David Clark headset.

The new One-x includes a rugged, yet lightweight alloy suspension system with adjustable headband and swivel hinge stirrups. This ensures a personalized fit  for just about any head size and allows for accurate distribution of weight.

The One-X is designed to fit completely around the ear, which offers a better seal, especially when wearing eyeglasses, and results in better noise attenuation.  Leatherette-covered memory foam ear seals reduce heat buildup and absorb  pressure around the ear while a soft, vented head pad does the same for your head..

Like many modern headsets, The One-X includes active noise cancellation via two microphones. One microphone is positioned on the exterior of the headphone dome (the feed forward portion of the circuit). The second is placed inside the dome adjacent to the speaker (the feedback of the circuit). Both microphones send sampled noise signals into a noise cancellation processor, creating an anti-noise signal.  The signal is then amplified and passed along to the speaker inside of the earcup. This advanced, Hybrid Electronic Cancellation technology delivers extraordinary ANR performance to this headset.

One-X is equipped with wireless Bluetooth which is easy to pair with excellent wireless entertainment input audio quality and has a control for muting the Bluetooth music. The audio quality is comparable to all headsets on the market today.

The One-X also collapses for compact storage for the soft carry bag.

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot Watch from Garmin

D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot - CopyWe 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.

D2 Bravo Titanium is a premium aviation GPS smartwatch that combines contemporary design with sophisticated connectivity to bring pilots and aviation enthusiasts an elite aviator watch.

With uncompromising details such as a hybrid titanium band and gunmetal bezel, sapphire  lens  and  high-resolution  color  display, D2 Bravo Titanium combines the GPS wearable technology Garmin is known for with a sleek form factor suitable for activities both inside and outside of the cockpit. It also boasts new multisport activity profiles like golf and advanced fitness training, as well as the addition of Garmin Elevate™ wrist-based heart rate technology, allowing customers to measure heart rate 24/7. Additional features on D2 Bravo Titanium are also available to existing D2 Bravo customers via a free software upgrade, including the display of Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), integration of an automatic logbook and a customizable aviation watch face that allows customers to input the tail number of their aircraft.

Stylish, Rugged, Uncompromising DesignD2 Bravo Titanium Pilot side pic

  • Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) hybrid titanium band and scratch- resistant sapphire lens for enhanced durability
  • sunlight-readable color display with an LED backlight
  • elevate wrist heart rate technology
  • water-rated to 100 meters
  • up to 16 hours of battery life in GPS mode, and up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode

Designed for Pilots, by Pilots

  • D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot frontincorporates a worldwide airport database and support for up to 18 languages to meet the needs of pilots around the globe
  • pilots can view aviation routine weather reports (METARs) and Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) in plain language
  • create flight plans, and includes both an altimeter with an adjustable barometric setting and a compass with an HSI and moving map
  • Direct-to and Nearest buttons along the side of the bezel allow for immediate navigation commands
  • customizable data fields include Estimated Time Enroute (ETE), Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) and more

Suitable for the Cockpit, Golf Course and Evening Outd2 bravo

  • suitable back-up navigator in the cockpit
  • multisport functions for golfing, rowing, swimming, hiking, skiing, running and more
  • activity tracking functions1, which count steps and provide a customized step goal each morning, while also counting calories and distance throughout the day
  • vibration move alert after 1 hour of inactivity along with sleep mode to monitor quality of rest at night
  • black silicone band included
  • download more than 40,000 golf courses worldwide for precise course data and use their watch as a digital scorecard

Automated Logbook Sync

  • Automated flight logging offers  pilots  a  convenient  way  to  maintain  a  consistent  log  of  their  flights  with D2 Bravo Titanium, which also automatically syncs and stores logbook data within flyGarmin.com® as well as the Garmin Pilot™ application on a mobile device

Enhancements and Updated Price for the Original D2 Bravo

  • All new and current D2 Bravo owners have access to a free software upgrade that enables the display of TAFs and automated flight logging and includes the addition of new activities such as golf. A customizable watch face and option to display an aircraft tail number is also available with this new software update. The D2 Bravo software update is available now via Garmin.com

 

Come and visit our staff, or visit us on line here to order your new watch!

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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2016 Aircraft Electronics Association Convention and Tradeshow

The 59th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show happened in Orlando, Florida this past week.

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Last week Steve and Michael returned from the Aircraft Electronics association Convention and Tradeshow in Orlando Florida. This four day event is the largest wholesale avionics show in general aviation, with over 2,000 avionics manufacturers, repairs stations, installers and aviation professionals in attendance.

This is the biggest week in the avionics industry with more than 75 hours of training and regulatory sessions with accreditation towards TC’s and  FAA’s IA renewal s. Presentations by civil aviation authorities, including the FAA, TCCA, EASA and others, share vital regulatory information with all attendees.

Equally important, AEA showcases cutting-edge new avionics products, often for the first time.

Highlights of this year’s new product introductions included….

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

3. 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

4. L3 enhancements to their already successful NGT-9000 transponder

  • A Class B embedded terrain awareness warning system (eTaws)
  • ADS-B traffic advisory system (ATAS) aural alerting option

5. 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.

6. Our friends at Jupiter Avionics continue expand their product line:

  • JA71 Dzus blanking plate series
  • JA71/77 Dzus Rail switch plates with removable legends
  • JA72 Dsus Glove box and USB charger series
  • JA37 Aural message generators
  • JA35 remote summing amp

7. Rockwell Collins

  • CASP expansion with new 100 hour minimums

7. Astronautics announced a new primary Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) for helicopters called the RoadRunner:

  • The RoadRunner is a form-fit-function upgrade for helicopters that increases reliability and offers operators the choice of moving from electromechanical instruments and legacy EFIs to modern digital displays. The new EFI provides operators enhanced safety, decreased operating costs, weight reduction, and minimal downtime for installation

These are just a few highlights of the many new products introduced at AEA. Please contact us at Maxcraft and we would be happy to discuss all the new technology!

 Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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Fort McMurray Wildfires

alta_wildfire_20160504 - jason franson cdn press

Photo courtesy of J.Franson, Canadian Press

Today our thoughts are with our friends in Northern Alberta.   We send our deepest sympathies to those affected by the wildfires that have devastated Fort McMurray.  We also send our thanks, respect and kudos to those who are fighting this. We salute those who go in when so many have to get out.

Stay safe.

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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Garmin Team X Introduces GMA 245/245R Audio Panels

Combines Bluetooth® Wireless Music, Phone, 3D Audio and MoreGMA 245

Maxcraft is delighted to see that the Garmin Team X took features from their certified panel and now incorporated into a low cost audio panel for the homebuilt / experimental aircraft.

“Garmin is pleased to announce GMA 245 and GMA 245R, all-digital, Bluetooth audio panels designed for experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA). The GMA 245 is a panel-mount audio panel with a rich set of convenient and simple-to-use controls, while the GMA 245R is a remote-mount audio panel, both designed to interface with the G3X Touch™ flight display. These Bluetooth-enabled audio panels boast superior sound quality and an impressive list of additional features such as industry-leading auto squelch, music bass boost, advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing, wireless integration with the VIRB® XE action camera and more. When interfaced to the G3X Touch flight display, both audio panels introduce more capabilities that allow for convenient wireless communication and offer advanced integration potential that provides pilots with an exclusive in-flight experience.

  •  GMA245G3X Touch Meets Bluetooth Wireless Audio
  • Innovative Audio Feature Set
  • VIRB® XE Integration

 

Contributing to an easy and convenient upgrade path, the GMA 245/245R is rack and pin-compatible* with the GMA 240, GMA 340 and third-party audio panels for experimental aircraft. For pilots seeking a standalone or remote-mount solution, the GMA 245/245R offers seamless integration with G3X Touch™.”

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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Update on the Solar Impluse

solorimpulseIn honor of Earth Day/Week, bringing solar power to life.

How to reduce the impact on Planet Earth?  Use the sun.  Follow the Solar Impulse, the First Round-The-World Solar Flight, powered only by the sun, with no fuel or polluting emissions.

They left Hawaii on the second half of their journey around the planet and they are breaking records but their real goal is to promote innovation to make a contribution to the cause of renewable energies.

Follow them around:http://www.solarimpulse.com

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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Lightspeed Spring Sale

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Only until May 8th, 2016!

Lightspeed is having two amazing Spring Promotions!!

1. Gift with purchase – buy any new Lightspeed headset at full price and get a free 16,800 mAh multi- function, portable power bank and jump-starter.  This is a powerful, compact, and convenient travel companion that can charge all of your portable electronic devices, including smart phones, tablets, and GPS units. It will also jump-start your vehicle, has a built-in multifunction flashlight, and comes with a universal power adapter, allowing it to be used in any country. It has a retail value of $100 USD.

Portable power bank

To receive the gift with purchase, customers must complete and submit a redemption form, along with proof of purchase to Lightspeed Aviation. The downloadable form is available here: Spring sale redemption form 

2.  Instant savings of 10% on multiple headset orders – buy any Lightspeed headset at full retail price and save 10% on additional Lightspeed headsets of equal or lesser value purchased at the same time. The instant savings discount is an authorization for you to go below MRP on the sale of multiple headsets to the same customer. There is no reimbursement from Lightspeed for this part of the promotion.

This promotion starts April 1st, 2016 until  May 8th, 2016

Call us or visit our hangar for more details!

604-465-3080 or visit our webstore!

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

 

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New G5 Electronic Flight Instrument for experimental aircraft

G5 EFIMaxcraft is proud to introduce the new product by Garmin Team X. The new G5 electronic flight instrument for experimental amateur-built and light sport aircraft.

This compact and cost-effective product delivers exceptional performance and reliability serving as either a back-up instrument to G3X or other EFIS systems, or as a standalone primary flight instrument with optional autopilot mode annunciation. It boasts a bright, 3.5-inch sunlight readable liquid crystal display with built-in GPS and displays attitude, ground track, altitude, airspeed, groundspeed, vertical speed, slip/skid, lateral course deviation, vertical deviation as well as incorporating a dedicated HSI page.

The easy to install G5 is suitable for installation in place of a standard 3-1/8-inch (79.4 mm.) flight instrument, and an optional four-hour back-up batter can be included with an installation to provide pilots with added assurance in the event of an aircraft electrical failure. The flight instrument measures 3-inches in depth when paired with the back-up battery and 2.1-inches without the battery; it also incorporates pitot and static inputs that easily integrate with the aircraft’s existing pitot/static system.

G5 Cockpit integration

The fully integrated G5 serves as a dissimilar flight instrument when paired with G3X and G3X Touch glass flight displays. In the unlikely event of a G3X ADAHRS failure, the G5 doubles as a redundant ADAHRS source, which can supply the appropriate air data, attitude and heading information to G3X displays. Further expanding its redundant capabilities, autopilot mode annunciation can also display on the G5 flight instrument in the event of a G3X display failure. G3X customers can also leverage the existing G3X magnetometer for heading information, alleviating the need to calibrate and install a separate magnetometer. Pilots who have configured airspeed bugs within their G3X system will notice the same airspeed configurations are displayed on the G5. Depending on ambient cockpit lighting, the G5 display automatically dims and brightens independently from G3X to ensure the display can be easily viewed in all lighting environments. A dedicated rotary knob allows for easy adjustments to altitude and heading bugs, as well as barometric altitude settings, which automatically syncs with the G3X or G3X Touch flight displays.

Further expanding the utility of a standard back-up display, the G5 can be paired with theGMC 307 or GMC 305 autopilot mode controllers and GSA 28 autopilot servos to serve as a standalone autopilot solution, delivering a simple and cost-effective avionics suite.

When paired with these systems, G5 displays autopilot mode annunciation alongside primary flight instrumentation. If paired with a Garmin portable such as the aera 660 or aera 796/795, the portable can easily be connected via the serial port on the G5 to allow the autopilot to couple laterally to a flight plan and vertically to a VNAV descent profile. With or without a G3X display, the G5 retains the capability to provide back-up or standalone autopilot functionality, including the ability to fly coupled GPS approaches when paired with a compatible IFR navigator. Additional autopilot modes are selectable from the GMC 307 and GMC 305 including heading, pitch, roll, altitude hold, vertical speed hold and airspeed hold. While the autopilot is engaged, airspeed protection is also provided. Additionally, Level Mode is supported, which engages the autopilot to bring the aircraft to level flight.

Come in and talk to us about this new product!

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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The Think Lynx Promo

The  Award-winning L-3 Lynx line of ADS-B solutions promotional pricing program on now until May 31!

Maxcraft is a big fan of the Lynx NGT-9000 and had the privilege of installing the first one in Canada. L-3 is celebrating the beginning of flying season with a 3-month pricing promotion on the Lynx line.  Come in or call us for more details.

What is Lynx?

Imagine purchasing a Mode S trlynxansponder, traffic system, MFD, GPS/WAAS and datalink weather system for your cockpit. The cost might exceed the value of your aircraft. Enter the Lynx® MultiLink Surveillance Systems (MSS). It’s a simple replacement for your old transponder that’s packed full of ADS-B benefits. Using an intuitive layout and touchscreen interface, the Lynx NGT-9000 is a single box solution that balances today’s needs with tomorrow’s flight environment. You get ADS-B traffic, a Mode S Extended Squitter transponder with a compliant GPS/WAAS position source, NEXRAD graphical and textual weather as well as moving maps.

Up to the minute NOTAMs, TFRs and Winds and Temps Aloft data are also included. The Lynx NGT-9000 is a Dual Mode 1090ES ADS-B Out plus 1090 and 978 ADS-B In device that is designed for 14 V or 28 V installations. L-3 NextGen Active Traffic® is an available option that is integrated directly in the Lynx NGT-9000, eliminating the need for a remote box. Several models are available, providing a Lynx solution to fit almost any cockpit and budget.

Read about our first Lynx installation here.  Watch our demo flight of the L3 Lynx here.

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

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