Maxcraft Avionics Receives FAA AML STC for Garmin G500H Flight Display for Airbus Helicopters

Posted on July 28, 2015 by admin

Maxcraft Avionics Receives FAA AML STC for Garmin G500H Flight Display System in Airbus HelicoptersG500H

Vancouver, BC, July 28, 2015 – Maxcraft Avionics Ltd announced today that it has been awarded an FAA Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the Garmin G500H Flight Display System in a series of Airbus (Eurocopter) light helicopters. This STC is unique in that it also includes installation approval for supporting and optional systems including: Garmin GTN650, GTN750, GNS430W or GNS530W as the primary GPS/NAV/COM, Garmin SL40, GTR225 or GNC255 as No.2 VHF COM (optional), Garmin GTS800 Traffic Advisory System (optional) and Freeflight RA-4500 Radar Altimeter System (optional). Having all of these systems included in one approved data package greatly simplifies the installation and ongoing support.

STC (SR03539NY) currently includes Airbus Helicopters models: AS350B, AS350Ba, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350 BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC120B and EC130B4.  Approval for the EC130T2 model is expected by Q4 2015.

 Maxcraft’s president, Daryl MacIntosh described this STC package as the most comprehensive approved avionics upgrade currently available for light helicopters. He also noted that traditional back up instruments can optionally be eliminated with installation of the Mid-Continent MD302 Standby Attitude Module recently approved under Maxcraft’s FAA SR03524NY STC.

 About Maxcraft Avionics Ltd.

Maxcraft specializes in avionics design, installation, and maintenance. Its design services group is among the most professional in Canada, and holds an extensive catalogue of exclusive STCs. Maxcraft’s client base includes operators for all types of aircraft including private, commercial, business, charter, corporate, airline, police, military and air ambulance. As an AMO its state-of-the-art shop facilities provide full service support to the private and commercial fixed wing market as well as the helicopter sector. Maxcraft Avionics can be found on the web at www.maxcraft.ca or may be reached at 604-465-3080.

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 Introduces New, All Digital Bluetooth GMA 350c Audio Panel

Posted on July 23, 2015 by admin

Combines Wireless Music, Phone, Telligence Voice Command, 3D Audio, and VIRB XE Connectivity

GMA350c Audio Panel

Garmin is thrilled today to announce an all-digital series of Bluetooth enabled audio panels, the GMA 350c, GMA 35c and GMA 350Hc. Designed for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the GMA 350c series incorporates Bluetooth technology for wireless access to music, phone, Garmin Pilot™ alerts and more. This adds to an impressive list of features, including industry-first Telligence Voice Command technology and 3D Audio processing, as well as enhanced auto squelch capability and more. These features decrease heads-down time and increase overall situational awareness in the cockpit.

The all-digital GMA 350c Bluetooth audio panel incorporates patented features and superior voice control to provide pilots with an exclusive feature set unmatched by any other audio panels on the market. Bluetooth technology provides more functionality in the cockpit, giving pilots the option to wirelessly connect a smartphone or tablet to the GMA 350c to easily make phone calls or to stream audio entertainment. Additionally, the GMA 350c series can be paired with the Garmin Pilot app to transmit terrain, obstacle or traffic alerts while in-flight. Pilot-controlled audio distribution ensures the appropriate communications are dispersed to passengers and crew accordingly.

Integration with VIRB® XE, Garmin’s next generation HD action camera, brings a new level of capability to the GMA 350c series. Bluetooth Audio connectivity offered by the GMA 350c allows pilots to connect wirelessly to VIRB XE in place of a headset audio cable to conveniently overlay intercom audio and air traffic control communications while capturing rich, high definition video.

Telligence Voice Command allows pilots to activate select audio panel functions by spoken commands. For example, when workload is the highest, pilots can switch from approach to tower frequency with ease by simply stating “COMM one.” With stereo headsets, three-dimensional sound is simulated with 3D Audio, which mimics how pilots hear and process multiple audio sources. This technology differentiates the audio sources and their unique locations or seat position so they are easier to distinguish. For example, sound from COMM 1 will come from the left, whereas sound from COMM 2 will seem as though it’s coming from the right.

Advanced auto squelch automatically adapts to the volume level within the cockpit. An internal microphone senses ambient noise and adjusts cockpit speaker volume level to ensure important audio transmissions are heard throughout all phases of flight. The GMA 350c analyzes cockpit noise levels and adjusts speaker volume accordingly to ensure alerts are quieter on the ground and louder in-flight. The GMA 350c series includes pilot, copilot and up to five passenger stereo intercom. It also supports three stereo music inputs, as well as dual COMM, NAV and AUX audio inputs. A built-in digital clearance recorder can record up to 2.5 minutes of selected COMM radio transmissions, so pilots can optionally play back clearances or unclear radio transmissions.

Contributing to an easy and convenient upgrade path, the GMA 350c is pin-compatible with the GMA 340 and GMA 350. The GMA 350c is designed as a direct replacement for existing GMA audio panel installations and as a slide-in replacement for the GMA 350. In addition to enhanced Bluetooth capabilities, the GTN 750 series has tightly integrated audio compatibility with the GMA 35c remote audio processor. For use in helicopters, the GMA 350Hc has the same core features as the GMA 350c, adding three COMM support, night vision compatibility and more.

Call our Maxcraft team for your order today!

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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Bose 2015 Summer Promotion

Posted on July 21, 2015 by admin

Buy one headset, get a gift! Buy two headsets, get 10% off AND a gift!Bose-A20-Headset

For a limited time, the more headsets you buy, the more you save and the cooler the gift!

Depending on quantity of headsets purchased, customers are eligible to receive four separate gifts with purchase of the Bose A20 Aviation headset.  In addition, purchasers can receive 10% off the second and subsequent purchases of the Bose A20 Aviation headset.

 

Bose_summer_2015

This promotion is valid from July 19, 2015 until August 8, 2015!

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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Garmins new product announcements at Oshkosh AirVenture 2015

Posted on July 20, 2015 by admin

Garmin had a fabulous week at AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. They had many new exciting announcements of new products and updates. As these new products were announced we posted them here.

We are happy to announce the following:

  • Garmin Expands Connext Wireless Cockpit Ecosystem

Garmin is excited to announce an expanded Connext ecosystem, which broadens compatibility to include the Garmin aera 796/795 aviation portable GPS, ForeFlight Mobile and Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck. Read more here.

  • Garmin Brings High-End Flight Deck Technology, Animated NEXRAD and More to GTN 650/750 Touchscreen Seriesdoc 1

Garmin announced an expanded feature set and new enhancements for the GTN touchscreen avionics. These new capabilities include customer-requested features such as creating and executing customized holding patterns, search and rescue patterns, as well as animated NEXRAD weather imagery from a variety of weather sources. Read more here.

  • Garmin Introduces New, All Digital Bluetooth GMA 350c Audio PanelGMA350c Audio Panel

Garmin is thrilled today to announce an all-digital series of Bluetooth enabled audio panels, the GMA 350c, GMA 35c and GMA 350Hc. Designed for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the GMA 350c series incorporates Bluetooth technology for wireless access to music, phone, Garmin Pilot™ alerts and more. Read more here.

Virb XE Aviation

  • Garmin announces a new aviation-specific action camera

Garmin is excited to announce a premier, aviation-specific addition to the VIRB XE action camera family from the experts in aviation action cameras, providing several new accessories and unique features tailored to capturing rich, high definition footage in-flight. Read more 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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Garmin announces a new aviation-specific action camera

Posted on July 20, 2015 by admin

Virb XE AviationThe VIRB XE action camera

Garmin is excited to announce a premier, aviation-specific addition to the VIRB XE action camera family from the experts in aviation action cameras, providing several new accessories and unique features tailored to capturing rich, high definition footage in-flight. VIRB XE features gyro-based stabilization and can receive advanced attitude metrics from select Garmin products such as Flight Stream, while providing up to two hours of HD video recording on a single charge. Built-in GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi and ANT+ combine to provide pilots with added functionality and enhanced connectivity with a variety of Garmin products.

The VIRB XE Aviation Bundle provides pilots with all they need to begin capturing exciting in-flight HD video in a single package. The Aviation Bundle features a stereo headset audio cable, so pilot-to-pilot communications and air traffic control transmissions can be heard and embedded within the video. For easy installation, a slide-on prop filter is also provided to eliminate propeller distortion created while filming video in-flight or capturing high quality still photos.

With G-Metrix, VIRB XE utilizes internal sensors such as the high-sensitivity GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope to capture even more performance data. Additionally, VIRB XE is Connext-capable so aviation-specific data can be received from the G3X Touch flight display or Flight Stream 110/210 and then overlaid on the video.

Cross-product compatibility with VIRB XE, D2 Bravo, and Garmin Pilot offer pilots more functionality, which comes with the same reliability and superiority pilots trust with their Garmin avionics. Many functions of VIRB XE can be controlled within Garmin Pilot on iOS devices today with additional capabilities expected later this year. Garmin Pilot customers who utilize Android operating systems can expect compatibility later this year. VIRB XE also features the ability to connect to the new GMA 350c series audio panels via Bluetooth, which can embed audio overtop rich, high definition video, without the need for a headset cable. Existing VIRB X/XE action cameras are compatible with the new headset audio cable and prop filter and may be purchased separately.

In addition to the new headset cable and prop filter for aviation, Garmin is adding a new robust windscreen suction cup mount, 16GB Class 10 microSD card, and a free trial to Garmin Pilot. The VIRB XE Aviation Bundle offers pilots a comprehensive package to takeoff and go flying, complete with the most popular accessories used by pilots.

VIRB XE Aviation Bundle 

  • VIRB XE HD action camera
  • Headset audio cable
  • Propeller filter
  • 16 GB, Class 10 microSD card
  • Suction cup mount
  • Free trial of Garmin Pilot

 Call our Maxcraft team for more for more information on the VIRB XE!

 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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FAA approval for IFD440, Q3 promotion with FREE ADS-B, and new features to IFD540

Posted on July 7, 2015 by admin

IFD440 Now Certified; and R10.1 for both IFD440 & 540

Avidyne announced today that certification of their IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM and Release 10.1 software for the IFD540 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM.  Since receiving the FAA approval of R10.1 software for the IFD540, it includes a software fix that removes the AD that was issued in May.

Free ADS-B in with Avidyneavidyne

Avidyne is offering a Q3 promotion which is allowing customer who purchase an IFD540 and IFD440 (or dual 540’s or dual 440s) to get a free MLB100 ADS-B receiver! (a $2,495 value!)

The MLB100 provides ADS-B in to the IFD540/440s for FIS-B Wx.

The IFD540 & IFD440 represent the next generation in FMS/GPS/ NAV/COM systems. Each provides VHF communication and SBAS/ LPV precision navigation and are designed to meet the accuracy and integrity requirements for ADS-B as part of the NextGen airspace initiative. As plug-and play replacements for legacy systems, the IFD540 & IFD440 each share the same basic functionality in large and compact display formats respectively.

Call us or see us at Maxcraft to order yours now. Sale ends September 30, 2015

R10.1 adds new features to IFD540

Release 10.1 (R10.1) software is a field-loadable upgrade for the IFD540 that includes product improvements and new functionality such as:

  • Support for display of ADS-B (FIS-B) weather when interfaced with an Avidyne MLB100 or MLX200.
  • Rubber-banding of the active flight plan leg – Now the magenta ‘active’ leg can also be stretched, providing a new active waypoint using the touch screen.
  • Scrollable data blocks – Allows the pilot have more data blocks configured than can be displayed on a single screen. Using the touch screen, the pilot can scroll up or down to view addition data blocks.
  • Standby Com Monitor – Enables monitoring of the standby COM frequency when connected to an Avidyne AMX240 audio panel.
  • Multiple-user configurations – Allows up to 5 user configurations of data blocks, page layouts, and checklists can be saved.
  • Expanded checklists – We have added more check list pages, and multiple users can customize, save, and recall their own checklists.
  • Download/Saving of user-defined waypoints, flight plan routes – Allows pilots to save all their user-defined waypoints and saved flight plans to a USB jump drive, so they can easily be restored to another unit or saved as backup.
  • Support for control of Avidyne’s new remote-mounted AXP322 remote Mode S transponder with ADS-B OUT.
  • Enables Bluetooth® and WiFi – While the hardware for wireless connectivity has been in the boxes since the beginning,  R10.1 is the first activation of wireless functionality—specifically, the MK10 mini Keyboard, which allows pilots to enter waypoints, flight plans, and zoom the map range in and out, among other things via Bluetooth.

Additional feature enhancements and new capabilities are outlined on our www.AvidyneLive.com website at:
http://forums.avidyne.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=573&title=ifd540-440-software-release-10100

R10.1 Removes AD on IFD540

Release 10.1 also removes the Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) regarding limitations on GPS approaches with specific leg types that was issued in May to existing owners of Avidyne IFD540 systems. With the R10.1 upgrade, this AD can now be removed from the Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual or flight manual supplement.

The field-loadable Release 10.1 software upgrade is a no-charge warranty upgrade for all current IFD540 owners.  Avidyne is accepting orders for R10.1 upgrades now through authorized dealers. The Service Bulletin is available as part of the upgrade kit.

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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Lynx and a Cessna 182

Posted on July 6, 2015 by admin

Lynx – New transponder/MFD/ADS-B single-box solution first install in a Cessna 182

It’s Original paint still in excellent conditionbeen just four months since L3 unveiled its new low-cost ADS-B solution, the L3 ‘Lynx’ and Maxcraft is a big believer in this new technology. Today, Maxcraft has the privilege of performing the very first Lynx installation in Canada (and one of the first few in the world). The L3 Lynx NGT-9000 is an ADS-B touchscreen transponder and multi-function display. With ADS-B in, FIS-B, and an internal WAAS GPS receiver, it can display traffic, weather, and moving maps… all within the form-factor of a legacy transponder with no remote boxes. As an added benefit the Lynx has the option to enable the built-in L-3 NextGen ActiveTraffic system, which blends ADS-B with active traffic data, providing an uninterrupted display of aircraft equipped with Mode A, C and S transponders. This is especially useful in Canada, where ADS-B traffic is not available.

lynx

The benefits of a traditional panel footprint are especially apparent on an aircraft like this. With only 560 hours logged, this Cessna 182P ‘Skylane II comes to us completely stock, and equipped with all its original Cessna avionics from the 1970’s. Despite this (or perhaps because of this) the Lynx NGT-9000 feels right at home in the center avionics stack with no structural modification necessary.

Because this product is so new, and because we’re so excited about it, we’ve decided to give you this early preview. There are, however, no completed panel photos, as we have not yet finished this installation. Sometime in the coming weeks, we’ll update this page with a shot of our completed installation, the rest of the this avionics package (see below), and some first-hand feedback on the Lynx itself.

Summary Of Final Installed Systems

  • NGT-9000 “Lynx” MuliLink Surveilence System(L3)
  • GTN750 GPS/NAV/COM (Garmin)
  • GNC225 Nav Com System(Garmin)
  • Flight Stream 210 (Garmin)
  • 406AF Compact ELT (Kannad)
  • GMA 340 Audio System – four place intercom (Garmin)

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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Solar Impulse Ocean Crossing

Posted on June 30, 2015 by admin

Ocean Crossing To Hawaii : the Moment of Truth.

solar impulse sunset

Will the third time be lucky?

Endeavoring to reach Hawaii from Japan to encourage the use of clean technologies (#futureisclean), the solar powered aircraft of Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg attempts the longest exploration leg of the Solar Impulse’s Round-The-World mission.

At the controls, André will venture into the unknown. This flight is demanding and challenging particularly given its duration: 120 hours on solar power only. It is a feat never accomplished before in the world of aviation.

Click here to follow their flight Solar Impulse

 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 Sale!

Posted on June 22, 2015 by admin

 Summer 2015 Promotion

Lightspeed is offering ANOTHER sale!  Starting now, save instantly $125 on selected headsets. (PFX and Zulu 2).

Summer-Sale-north_300x250

This sale ends August 2, 2015,  so hurry and come into Maxcraft and check out the savings!

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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Stylish Aviator Watch with Sophisticated Aviation Features

Posted on June 16, 2015 by admin

Garmin introduces D2 Bravo!Bravo 2

A next-generation aviator watch that combines practical functionality and sophisticated design to bring pilots and aviation enthusiasts a premium GPS watch.  D2 Bravo incorporates Garmin’s signature direct-to and nearest airport navigation features complete with a worldwide aviation navigation database.  New and exclusive benefits such as altitude alerts including preset alerts for altitudes requiring supplemental oxygen, as well as easy access to current aviation weather information, set D2 Bravo apart from other pilot watches on the market.  In addition to in-flight functionality, D2 Bravo incorporates versatile activity tracking features and multi-sport functions while supporting Smartphone connectivity.

Bravo 1

With uncompromising details such as a stainless steel bezel and domed sapphire lens, D2 Bravo combines GPS and wearable technology that Garmin is known for and offers a sophisticated new form factor suitable for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Bravo 2

  • High Quality Materials for a Luxury Look and Feel – sapphire lens, stainless steel bezel, glass fiber reinforced housing and more
  • Smart Phone Connectivity and Alerting Capability – alerts, beneficial weather information, METARs, IMC, etc.
  • A True Aviators Watch – brown leather band, direct to and nearest functions, worldwide airport database and more
  • More Than Just GPS – accurate altimeter, barometric setting, compass with HSI, moving map display etc.
  • Integrated Activity Tracking and Monitoring – activity tracking information, biking, swimming, skiing data and more

Bravo 4

Call our team or go to our webstore for more information!

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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