Avionics Blog – Avionics to the Max!

Maxcraft is on the ground at the 2023 annual Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Orlando, Florida where Garmin announced PlaneSync, their solution for Connected Aircraft Management. PlaneSync allows aircraft owners and operators to use many of the functions they’ve become accustomed to using with the FlightStream 510 while away from the aircraft.

THE FLYING LIFE, SIMPLIFIED

Every pilot knows that flying doesn’t just start at the runway. It takes time, effort and preparation to keep your aircraft ready for flight. PlaneSync technology helps simplify the complexities of aircraft management, allowing aircraft owners and operators to spend more time focused on the task at hand — flying.

SEAMLESSLY CONNECT WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT

Using 4G LTE cellular or Wi-Fi^® connectivity provided by the GDL^® 60 datalink, PlaneSync technology interfaces with supported avionics and devices to let you keep tabs on your aircraft from virtually anywhere^1,2.

AUTOMATE YOUR DATABASE UPDATES

With PlaneSync, you don’t have to lift a finger to manage your avionics database updates — because it’s all done automatically via 4G LTE or Wi-Fi¹ technology. Forget juggling database update cycles or transferring databases to data cards. With PlaneSync technology, your avionics and databases are kept ready to go whenever you are. You save the time and hassle of updating data cards, and you can even check your system’s update status remotely via your Garmin Pilot™ app.

REMOTELY CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR AIRCRAFT

Is your aircraft serviced and ready to go? You can check ahead, using an aircraft dashboard on your Garmin Pilot app. When appropriately equipped, PlaneSync allows you to check² active/standby database status as well as Hobbs, tachometer and flight times, fuel quantity, battery voltage, OAT, oil temperature and aircraft GPS location³. Avoid last-minute surprises at the airport by checking things out in advance⁶.

EASILY ACCESS FLIGHT AND ENGINE DATA

With added capability coming in early 2024, PlaneSync will also help keep your postflight activities to a minimum. With compatible avionics, PlaneSync technology will automatically transmit your flight and engine log data to the flyGarmin.com^® website. You can then view the data on flyGarmin.com or your Garmin Pilot app and share it with your maintenance crew for analysis or troubleshooting.

IT’S ALSO A CONNEXT® GATEWAY IN YOUR COCKPIT

INTEGRATE MOBILE DEVICES WITH YOUR AVIONICS

To give you more flexibility in the cockpit, the GDL 60 datalink with PlaneSync technology also includes Connext device connectivity, enabling information to flow back and forth between your avionics and compatible flight apps. You can stream weather, traffic, attitude information, GPS position reference and other data from your system⁴ — and essentially turn your mobile touchscreen into an extra control/display in the cockpit.

FLIGHT PLAN ENTRY MADE SIMPLE

Save vital time on flight planning by using flight apps such as Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight on your mobile device to create and file your flight plan from the comfort of your home or office. Then, once at the airport, the GDL 60 datalink’s Connext device connectivity lets you quickly upload the waypoint data from your device to your avionics. In no time, you’re ready to activate your flight plan and go flying.

IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

When a GDL 69A SiriusXM^® receiver⁵ is added to your Connext onboard network, you and your passengers can select and control SiriusXM audio entertainment channels via the Garmin Pilot app on your compatible mobile devices. Select from 100+ channels of SiriusXM music, sports, news and entertainment programming for your in-flight enjoyment.

GLOBAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

By adding a GSR 56 satellite transceiver with Connext satellite services⁵ to your GDL 60 datalink-equipped aircraft, you can extend your reach. Use your compatible mobile device and its contacts list to send in-flight text messages or initiate phone calls globally.

GDL 60 DATALINK WITH PLANESYNC TECHNOLOGY

Providing LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity capabilities, the GDL 60 datalink can add PlaneSync technology to your aircraft.

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.

¹Active PlaneSync and database subscriptions required for automatic database updates. Active PlaneSync subscription plan required for flight log uploading. Features are available on-ground only and require GDL 60 to have active LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity; signal strength and other factors may apply. See Garmin.com/PlaneSyncCoverage for LTE coverage details.
²Remote aircraft status requires active PlaneSync subscription. User’s smart device must have internet connectivity. Feature is available on-ground only and requires GDL 60 to have LTE connectivity; signal strength and other factors may apply. See Garmin.com/PlaneSyncCoverage for coverage details.
³GPS location provided by avionics. Select avionics can provide live location with a compatible GPS antenna; otherwise location displayed will be based on the avionics last known location. GPS signal strength and other factors may apply.
⁴Compatible avionics required
⁵Sold separately; subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
⁶This information is intended as supplemental information only and is not a substitute for preflight checks
⁷Flight log uploading expected to be available in early 2024
Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

Maxcraft Avionics is attending the Aircraft Electronics Association annual convention in Orlando, Florida where earlier today, Gogo announced a plan to expand their network of 5G ground stations into Canada, making installing a Gogo 5G connectivity solution an even more attractive option to Canadian operators.

ORLANDO (AEA, Booth 906) – Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO) announced today it will expand its Gogo 5G network into Canada, providing additional coverage to business aviation operators in North America.

“Building on our nationwide network in the contiguous United States, expanding into Canada will allow our customers to realize enhanced inflight connectivity in more destinations and routes where they fly,” said Sergio Aguirre, Gogo’s president and chief operating officer. “We have been planning for this and I know our network deployment and field operations teams are ready to execute.”

Gogo 5G is expected to deliver ~25 Mbps on average, with peak speeds in the 75-80 Mbps range, placing power in the passenger’s hand to use data-heavy interactive services like video conferencing, live TV, and gaming with lower latency and higher throughput.

Aligning with Gogo’s software-centric approach to technology design, Gogo 5G leverages Gogo’s best-selling AVANCE platform system with its multi-bearer capability, allowing customers to realize their inflight connectivity investments now, while establishing an easy upgrade path to Gogo 5G and Gogo’s global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) solution in the future.

Following the successful critical design review of the 5G chip earlier this year, Gogo 5G service is expected to launch commercially in the fourth quarter of 2023, with completion of the network expansion into Canada in 2024.

Customers interested in experiencing the first 5G network exclusively for business aviation can equip their aircraft with AVANCE L5 and 5G provisions, available for install today, with significant savings offered through the company’s First To Fly promotion.

Sign up for Gogo 5G progress updates at www.gogoair.com/gogo-5g-progress.

About Gogo
Gogo is the world’s largest provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market. We offer a customizable suite of smart cabin systems for highly integrated connectivity, inflight entertainment and voice solutions. Gogo’s products and services are installed on thousands of business aircraft of all sizes and mission types from turboprops to the largest global jets, and are utilized by the largest fractional ownership operators, charter operators, corporate flight departments and individuals.

As of December 31, 2022, Gogo reported 3,279 business aircraft flying with Gogo’s AVANCE L5 or L3 system installed, 6,935 aircraft flying with its ATG systems onboard, and 4,475 aircraft with narrowband satellite connectivity installed. Connect with us at gogoair.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.

At the opening day of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Bose announced the next step in their lineup of aviation headsets, the Bose A30.

When Bose released their A20 aviation headset in 2010, it was an instant hit and became the de facto “gold standard” for headsets among pilots. Even 13 years after they were first announced, you can’t research aviation headsets without constantly stumbling upon rave reviews about the A20s. The new Bose A30 is everything pilot’s loved with the A20s, with improvements for today’s cockpit.

What’s in the box?

• A30 Aviation Headset
• Carry case
• 3.5 mm aux audio cable
• 2 AA batteries
• Control module hanger

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.