Latitude Technologies recently received a STC for the installation of the SkyNode ® S200 for the Dash 8 series of aircraft

The SkyNode® S200 is the world’s lightest and most versatile

integrated aeronautical communications device. The S200 provides security and crew safety for air/ground logistics applications. Phone, flight tracking and data access is available everywhere you operate.

The S200 interfaces to multiple mapping and data management systems. This system has the toughest environmental standards in the industry. Network from anywhere.

The SkyNode S200 supports narrow band networking for aircraft requiring text messaging, email, FTP, and Internet access.

We recently completed avionics upgrades for two additional Sikorsky S76A helicopters owned and operated by Helijet Airways. The first S76A helicopter upgrade was completed about a year ago but the follow-on aircraft were postponed when Helijet`s priority shifted to the modification of three S76C+ helicopters from executive to air ambulance configuration. Once the S76C+ helicopter work was completed in August, we were able to get back to the S76A helicopter project.

Helijet’s main operational requirement was the need for an IFR approach capable GPS. We installed a new Garmin GNS530W system interfaced with two new Sandel SN3500 EHSIs. This was completed in accordance with our own Transport Canada STC approval for IFR approach operations. In order to improve dispatch reliability a decision was made to rewire much of the existing avionics including NAVs, VHFs, DMEs and audio systems. A new cabin PA system and Satellite tracking system were installed simultaneously. In order to make it all look great, each instrument panel and the pedestal were removed, refurbished and repainted. One of the helicopters also required some substantial structural repair work to the keel beam. We were able to minimize down time by partnering with Heliwelders Canada Ltd so that this work could be carried out in our facility at the same time as the avionics modifications.

These upgraded helicopters are now going back into Helijets scheduled service between Vancouver and Victoria harbour.

Satellite tracking systems enable dispatchers and other authorized users to view an aircraft’s near real-time flight path, position, speed and altitude overlaid onto a detailed map page such as Google Earth. The technology that enables this type of situational awareness has steadily progressed over the past decade to the point where it is now reliable, cost effective, feature rich and main stream. These systems utilize two separate satellite networks to perform their function. The global positioning system (GPS) network of 24 satellites orbiting about 12,000 miles above the earth is used to determine the aircraft’s position including altitude, speed and track.

This information is then periodically transmitted to ground stations via the Iridium satellite network which is a constellation of 66 satellites in a low earth orbit (about 780 km above the ground) providing worldwide voice and data services to a variety of users. A dual element antenna (GPS & Iridium) is installed on a top surface of the aircraft to enable line-of-sight connection to these satellites. Many systems have the option of voice communication via the Iridium network. This communication capability can be configured for use with a dedicated handset or interfaced into the aircraft audio system similar to an aircraft radio. A control-display panel is typically installed in the cockpit and/or cabin to provide a user interface for text messaging and telephone dialing.

Over the last five years this technology has been installed into a large proportion of the commercial helicopter fleet and has also been installed into many fixed wing aircraft. It is now a mandatory requirement for most aircraft involved in firefighting and other forestry work. Other types of aircraft operators are now considering equipping their fleets to improve the efficiency and safety of their operations. In many cases their customers are demanding it.

Latitude Technologies and SkyTrac Systems are successful, competing BC based manufactures of tracking systems used by commercial aircraft operators worldwide. Maxcraft has extensive experience installing both systems. Typical system hardware cost ranges from $3500 for a basic tracker to $10,000 for a full feature system with voice and data capability.

Globalstar manufactures a portable device (SPOT) which provides basic (limited) tracking capability at well under $200. This is such tremendous value for private flyers that we don’t think anyone should take off without one.

A gift for that someone special?

Go on-line or come into Maxcraft and check out our display shelf, or call us! Our on-line store is up and running and ready for orders!

Maxcraft on-line store

These fabulous gift ideas are perfect for the pilot in your life or co-pilot. From a full panel upgrade to a great headset with Christmas just around the corner, time is precious!

We have in stock the Zulu 2 ANR Battery Power Straight Cord Dual GA Lightspeed. This headset is a great gift. With $50 off for the holiday season, now is the perfect time to grab one!

Quick gift….how about a SPOT? Perfect for the pilot, co-pilot and even the hiker friend you have! The SPOT 2 GPS Tracker offers a line of communication with family and friends on the go with emergency assistance when you need it. Working anywhere in the world, you can keep you friends and family as ease when flying! SPOT is offering a mail in rebate of $50 when you buy it at the regular price of $169.00.

The hottest item on the market is the Garmin 796. With so many features including a 7″ touchscreen, 3D Vision, real time traffic updates. This is a must have back up solution to flight instrument panel and one step closer to a paperless cockpit. Come into Maxcraft and try out our Demo for the day!

Mountain High is the leading supplier of oxygen systems for aircraft. They sell both built in and portable oxygen systems. Any high flying pilot would love to have this electronic Pulse Demand Oxygen Delivery System to significantly reduce their oxygen consumption while simplifying the operation.

Vendor Profile

Who is Latitude?

Latitude Technologies is headquartered in picturesque Victoria, British Columbia Canada. It is a vertically integrated manufacturer and provider of robust and reliable satcom voice and flight data management solutions to all aviation sectors. The company’s

SkyNode® product family includes the most versatile and economical-to-operate voice, messaging, and flight data monitoring and reporting devices in the industry. Latitude is the preferred choice of government, commercial, and private operators for every type of aircraft and every type of mission around the world.

Latitude’s versatile WebSentinelâ„¢ flight data management platform and WebSentinel’s secure interface connects every flight on a real-time basis to the operator’s dispatch and maintenance center, management and administration desktops, and field operations mobile devices. Latitude is recognized as being the first satcom voice and data solution provider to provide fleet operators with full FOQA (Flight Operations Quality Assurance) capability in an easy to install, easy to operate, cost-affordable, and entirely integrated system.

Latitude was founded in 2001 with the clear mission of offering the most cost-effective and feature-rich intelligent data-delivery solutions for voice and voice/data satellite and cellular communication systems across the world. Over the past eleven years, the company has steadily grown its customer base of satisfied SkyNode product and WebSentinel platform users.

Who is Will

Our featured employee this month is Will Cook. Will is one of our Avionics Technicians. His role with Maxcraft revolves around the installation, modification and maintenance of aircraft electrical and avionics systems.

Will is a valuable team member on our installation crew, and has been a crew lead; overseeing the organization of various installations in different aircraft.

Will has worked in this industry for 5 years. His favorite thing about avionics is upgrading aging technology and modernizing aircraft with the latest and greatest equipment in the industry. Will thrives on the sense of satisfaction and pride that he feels when an installation or upgrade is completed and the finished product is presented to the customer.

Will got interested in aviation at a very young age. Though not a pilot, he has always enjoyed flying and the sensation of “being able to go where you want“ and not being confined to the predetermined path of a road.

After attending 2 years of schooling and training at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Will joined Maxcraft as his first and only company in Aviation.

Will was born and raised in the Lower Mainland. Will is married and has pet fish. He also enjoys photography, baseball, football, working on cars and playing hockey in his spare time.

Will loves to travel and experiencing the different social cultures of this amazing world in which we live.

Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,

Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I’d have sworn that the call sign he used was “St. Nick”.
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
“St. Nicholas One, turnin left onto final.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name.

“Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!

On Comet! On Cupid! What pills was he takin?

While controllers were sittin, and scratchin their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread.
The message they left was both urgent and dour,
“When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower”.
He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard “Left at Charlie” and “Taxi to parking.”
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh,
And stopped on the ramp with a “HO, ho-ho-ho…”

He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost,
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn’t inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a crop dusters belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to “fill it, with hundred low-lead.”
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin’ the sump.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.

He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell “Clear!!”
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.

“Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilots discretion”.
He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
“Your traffics a Grumman, inbound from the west.”

Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed thru the night,
Merry Christmas to all!! I have traffic in sight.”