Welcome to our first 2023 issue of MaxNews! Our hangar has been full of interesting projects over the winter months preparing several aircraft for the busy spring and summer flying. Our trade show season is kicking off this weekend with the North West Aviation Conference in Puyallup, Washington where we’ll be exhibiting with a four-man team. This issue of MaxNews features several new STCs, both from our in-house design approval organization, and our vendors, a few interesting projects from our hangar, and an interesting article on connected strategies in the cockpit, among many other things.
|
|
New Products/Announcements
|
|
 |
GFC™ 600 Now Available for King Air 200
|
Garmin is pleased to announce that they have received FAA STC approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in select Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft. The GFC 600 delivers superior in-flight characteristics and operational capabilities such as autopilot-coupled descent-only Vertical Navigation (VNAV)*, Electronic Stability Protection, underspeed and overspeed protection, coupled approaches, coupled go-arounds and more. The GFC 600 autopilot kits for the King Air 200 are now available to order.
Modern Capabilities
As a standard feature, pilots receive Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP™) with the GFC 600 digital autopilot, which works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition. ESP functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background when the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft to help avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and to help provide airspeed protection.
|
Garmin announces GI 275 electronic flight instrument certification for Airbus AS350 helicopters
|
On January 5, 2023 Garmin announced Supplemental Type Certification (STC) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the GI 275 electronic flight instrument in Airbus AS350 helicopters. A powerful solution for helicopter owners and operators, the GI 275 is a scalable, cost-conscious approach to an avionics upgrade that is a direct replacement for a variety of legacy primary flight instruments in the cockpit, including the primary attitude indicator, course deviation indicator (CDI), horizontal situation indicator (HSI), or the multi-function display (MFD). The GI 275 is intentionally designed to take advantage of the common 3.125-inch flight instrument size, reducing installation time and preserving the existing instrument panel. Its bright, high-resolution touchscreen display and wide viewing angle offer superior readability in the cockpit. In addition to interfacing with the flight instrument via the touchscreen, a dual concentric knob allows pilots to access a variety of key functions. Suitable as a direct replacement to many aging flight instruments, the GI 275 is easy to incorporate into a variety of panels and offers operators a simple and straightforward upgrade path to achieve modern flight instrument features and functions.
|
Universal Avionics Releases EFB and Connected Avionics Solution
|
Universal Avionics (UA) announced the launch of its FlightPartner and FlightReview applications. Hosted on an iPad and initially connected to Universal’s WAAS / SBAS enabled Flight Management System (FMS) by introducing WiFi enablement of existing equipment, these applications make possible comprehensive two-way interactions between the FMS and the apps, and between the tablet and UA’s cloud-based infrastructure for data analytics. This represents the first step in UA’s goal of creating a Connectivity enabled Ecosystem across its avionics solutions.
|
These Connected Applications streamline and enhance the interactions between the flight operations team (pilots, maintenance personnel, etc.) and the FMS before, during, and post flight. By providing relevant analytics of each flight, they enable operators to optimize flight operations and aircraft availability for each aircraft or a fleet.
|
Maxcraft Receives Additional AMO Ratings
|
Early this year Maxcraft received approval from Transport Canada to perform all non-specialized maintenance on Cessna’s 208 Caravan series of aircraft. This follows the addition of our authorization to perform non-specialized maintenance on Beech King Airs in January of last year.
Maxcraft has held a maintenance rating for all piston powered aircraft under 5700 kg MTOW since 2019 allowing us to perform various maintenance tasks alongside our avionics upgrades on light to medium general aviation and commercial piston aircraft. This results in less downtime for the operator as scheduled downtime for avionics work can be used to complete maintenance tasks simultaneously. With our in-house aircraft maintenance engineer – maintenance (AME-M), we can arrange for maintenance to be completed without the costly process of coordinating with an outside contractor.
|
|
|
|
Aspen Announces New Integration with the Garmin GFC600 Digital Autopilot
|
Another new development from Aspen is that FAA has approved new software enabling integration of Garmin GFC600 Digital Autopilot with Aspen’s EFD1000 Pro MAX Primary Flight Display, as well as selected altitude support for Trio and the BendixKing AeroCruze 100 autopilots, and extended runway centerlines on the MFD500/1000 MAX multifunction displays. Additionally, with the new software release, the Evolution E5 Dual Electronic Flight Instrument is now a TSO’d EFIS.
|
Maxcraft Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Additions
|
To comply with the upcoming Transport Canada mandate applicable to Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS), Maxcraft has revised their existing Supplemental Type Certificate SH11-25 (FAA SR03514NY) for the Sikorsky S-76C, S-76C+, S-76C++ helicopters. The following configurations are available:
Universal Avionics Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder (CVFDR)
– CVFDR-145R upgrade for existing installations (2 hrs voice, 25 hours data, with RIPS), or
– CVFDR-1650R for new installations (25 hrs voice and data, with RIPS)
Universal Avionics Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
– CVR-120A for new installations (2 hrs voice, without RIPS), when FDR not required,
– CVR-1651 for new installations (25 hrs voice, without RIPS), when FDR not required, or
– CVR-1651R for new installations (25 hrs voice, with RIPS), when other FDR system installed.
All new installations include a non-Lithium Novega GREEN90 Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB).
Maxcraft also has a pending STC for installation of Universal’s Kapture CVR with internal RIPS for Part 25 various Citation aircraft.
|
For aircraft already equipped with a two hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), Maxcraft has developed a new Supplemental Type Certificate TCCA STC SH22-14 for installation of the Radiant Power Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS) for Bell and Sikorsky helicopters as well as TCCA STC SA22-65 for Cessna/Textron Citation aircraft.
Maxcraft also has a Part 23 RIPS STC Pending.
|
Maxcraft has developed a new Supplemental Type Certificate TCCA STC SH23-5 for installation of the Flight Data Systems SENTRY Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder (CVFDR) in light rotorcraft.
The SENTRY offers a small size, low weight, and less power consumption than traditional CVFDRs in a modular and flexible architecture.
This system integrates to common airframe and avionics systems in the Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B2, B3 and EC 130 T2 models and can record over 300 parameters.
The SENTRY CVFDR includes the non-Lithium Novega GREEN90 Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB).
|
|
|
|
Maxcraft was able to troubleshoot and rectify an issue with the Aspen electronic flight information system installed in this factory new Robinson R44. With not even a full page of journey logbook entries, this R44 still had ”new helicopter smell” when our technicians were troubleshooting an AHRS issue. After replacing a defective antenna, the helicopter was returned to service where it’s being used to train new helicopter pilots by Chinook Helicopters out of the Abbotsford Airport.
|
|
“Maxcraft was able to troubleshoot the issue and rectify the problem under Aspen warranty in a timely manner with minimal impact on our operational capabilities.”
Kevin
Chinook Helicopters
|
|
Maxcraft has worked together with Allied Wings on a number of projects to bring their fleet of Bell 412CFs and Bell 206Bs into compliance with upcoming regulatory changes. Maxcraft utilized our in house Design Approval Organization (DAO) to create serialized supplemental type certificates (STCs) which meet the requirements of both Transport Canada and the unique requirements of the operator and the Canadian Military. Over the span of several separate projects, we installed ADS-B In and Out solutions, as well as Artex’s rotorcraft specific ELT4000HM, which is one of the only 406mhz emergency locator transmitters that doesn’t utilize lithium batteries eliminating the requirement for special approval which is a huge cost to address.
|
|
Maxcraft transformed this 1982 private jet into a modern workhorse. We removed much of the older era instruments and avionics to replace them with solid state reliable electronic flight displays. Owned by a rapidly growing Alberta oil company, this jet is ready to be their “pride and joy” flying their executives and employees between jobsites and important business meetings with incredible capability for the crew, and comfort items such as high-power USB ports, and satellite communications for the passengers.
|
|
“Maxcraft has been great to deal with on this avionics upgrade. Finding solutions to upgrade old components and adding new state-of-the-art technologies in an older aircraft is a large task that requires comprehensive project planning…..”
Jeremy Hand
CEO, Avenge Energy Services Inc.
|
|
With the advent of modern tablets and smart phones, along with numerous fantastic flight planning apps, it’s only natural that pilots are wanting some wireless connection between those devices and the modern cockpit. Although simple in concept, there were some significant technical and certification challenges to accomplish this. The terrific news is now there are numerous manufacturers who offer a Connected Cockpit and these add tremendous value to the pilot (and in some cases the mechanic).
|
|
Aspen Avionics was first with the “connected panel” concept introduced in 2011, about a year after the original iPad hit the market, as a technology platform that would allow pilots to set up a wireless 2-way connection between your favorite iPad app and the certified avionics in your panel.
The concept got off to a slow start, but thanks to new avionics developments from the majority of avionics manufacturers, this technology is now incorporated into most new avionics upgrades and is available in just about every new airplane coming off the line today.
When first introduced, the connected systems allowed you to keep your active flight plans in sync between your iPad and GPS in the panel, eliminating the need to enter it twice before takeoff, or modify it in two locations while enroute. As the technology evolved, and ADS-B transponders became the new norm, the systems added the ability to wirelessly transmit ADS-B weather and traffic info from the panel to compatible iPad apps as well. Engine management and satellite communication can now also be accomplished via the tablet.
There are lots of hardware/app configuration options currently available, and we will highlight a few significant ones here.
Garmin:
|
|
Garmin’s connected panel systems have grown considerably in recent years, and the fact that they’re compatible with both the Garmin Pilot app and ForeFlight has attracted a lot of interest from iPad pilots.
The Flight Stream 510 is the hub and is a tiny MultiMediaCard that creates a wireless bridge between Garmin Pilot and Garmin panel-mount avionics, enabling flight plan transfer, GPS position, ADS-B weather , engine data, traffic, and satellite communications all displayed on an iPad. It is compatible with GTN 650/750, G500/G600, G1000 NXi and G3000. Most significantly, the powerful little card also allows pilots to wirelessly (and quickly) update databases on panel-mount GPSs like the GTN 650/750. Garmin calls it their “Database Concierge” and it’s worthy of that name. It eliminates the need of removing cards and taking them home every month to update. The update happens in the background and cross fills to all the other Garmin devices on the internal data highway.
|
|
All flight and engine data is also pushed up to the cloud via the portable device and the flight can be analyzed offline at any time. Garmin Pilot supports both iOS and Android platforms.
Universal Avionics (UA)
Universal’s Connectivity Ecosystem is designed to bring UA Customers a connected, open and data rich environment enabled by Flight Operations, Maintenance and Avionics life cycle support applications. Hosted on an iPad and initially connected to Universal’s WAAS / SBAS enabled Flight Management System (FMS) by introducing Wi-Fi enablement of their SSDTU+ module, these applications make comprehensive two-way interactions between the FMS and the apps possible, and the same communication can be enabled between the tablet and UA’s cloud-based infrastructure for data analytics.
|
|
Flight Partner™ and Flight Review™, represent the first step in UA’s goal of creating a Connectivity enabled Ecosystem across its avionics solutions.
- FLIGHTPARTNER supports weather-driven smart flight planning, two-way flight plan exchange with UA’s FMS in all phases of flight.
- FLIGHTREVIEW delivers flight performance and safety-related event reporting and insights based on accumulated FMS/ FDR data.
|
|
Collins Aerospace:
Collins introduced their ARINCDirectSM connected flight support services to simplify preparation and reduce crew workload before, during, and after the trip. Using their own iPad application ARINCDirectSM supports the following features:
- Review, file, and adjust flight plans
- Update PIC, SIC, and persons on board
- Access weather and NOTAMs
- Receive flight notifications
- Track active flights
- Secure and private flight debrief for pilots
|
|
Summary:
We all know that every mission starts long before you arrive at the aircraft, the ability to check the weather, flight plan and file and then once you arrive at the aircraft, transfer this all up to the FMS cannot be overstated in its value. Once back on the ground and in the comfort of your home, you can do a thorough flight analysis. You and/or the mechanic can do engine trend analysis to catch problems early. Finally, ridding yourself of the painful process and updating data cards every month can simplified to a single tap on your FMS. This Connected Strategy makes our jobs less stressful, eliminates human entry errors, and provides a seamless pipeline between time in the cockpit and at home.
|
|
Vendor Profile:
Universal Avionics
|
|
Universal Avionics is a leading manufacturer of innovative commercial aircraft solutions for business aviation, special missions, cargo and airline operations, and helicopters. Headquartered in sunny Tucson, Arizona, Universal safely guides pilots and their passengers with forward fit and retrofit solutions flying on more than 35,000 airplanes and helicopters today.
|
|
Universal is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., a major defense manufacturer and world leader in military aerospace.
The company’s journey began in 1981 when founder, Hubert L. Naimer, formulated the details of a “Master Navigation System”, which led to the development of the world’s first Flight Management System. Over 40 years later, Universal Avionics has expanded its product line and delivered breakthrough technologies to the industry that offer incredible safety improvements, situational awareness, and operational benefits for operators.
Universal’s connectivity ecosystem provides pilots with an integrated ‘head-up/head-down’ experience to simplify operations. Solutions include navigation, electronic display, terrain awareness, recorders, enhanced flight vision systems, and synthetic vision systems for aerospace applications. For more information on Universal, visit uasc.com.
|
|
Who’s Who at Maxcraft? Dave McCheyne
|
|
|
|
While a majority of our employees specialize in avionics, many of whom hold AME-E licenses, we do much more than just avionics. Dave has been with Maxcraft for the past four years and is our resident specialist for everything maintenance related. Holding both an M1 and M2 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licenses (AME), Dave uses his knowledge to assist with autopilot and engine indicating system installations. Dave is also able to complete a wide range of maintenance tasks such as annuals, airworthiness directive inspections and compliance, wheel and brake replacement, along with countless other complex jobs, when it makes sense to complete them concurrently with avionics upgrades.
While Dave has been in the aviation industry for 40 years, he has been exposed to aircraft his entire life. His father was an Air Force pilot, as well as a commercial pilot. Dave’s enthusiasm for aviation eventually transitioned into a career. Dave never had aspirations to be a pilot as he’s never been an office person and “to me a flight deck, though it has a nice view, is an office in the sky”.
Dave started his career by attending a college program, then completing an apprenticeship which spanned about 5 years prior to receiving his AME license. Before joining us at Maxcraft, Dave has been involved in a wide variety of sectors of the aviation industry. Over his 40 year career he has been an apprentice at a flying school, then as a licensed AME he worked for commuter flying services, charter operators, major cargo operators, and tour operators, many of which operated the latest aircraft types at the time.
Dave has two sons, 24 and 21 years old, who decided to pursue careers outside of the family’s aviation tradition. When Dave isn’t around aircraft, he enjoys building model aircraft, and playing the guitar.
|
|
Avidyne
IFD5XX Cash-Back Promo Extended
Due to popular demand, Avidyne is extending their trade-in program through the end of the year for IFD5XX orders placed on or before March 31, 2023. More on the promotion here.
|
|
Northwest Aviation Conference
& Trade Show
February 25-26, 2023
Puyallup, WA
|
Northern Air Transport Association Tradeshow
May 1 – 3,2023
Whitehorse
|
|
Helicopter Association International
Mar 6-9, 2023
Atlanta, Georgia
|
Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
May 6 -7, 2023
Palmer, Alaska
|
|
Aircraft Electronic Association
Annual Convention & Tradeshow
April 24-27,2023
Orlando, Florida
|
Pilatus Owners & Pilots Association
Jun 14-16, 2023
Austin, Texas
|
|
The Aero Club of British Columbia, based out of the Pitt Meadows airport, is looking for members to join their “Flying Wing” plane share program. Flying Wing members get access to fly the club owned 1966 Cessna 172G. This aircraft has reasonable day VFR panel, and a 180hp engine. More information is available on the Aero Club’s website here.
|
|
A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and therefore we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax — OH MY GOD!” Silence followed and after a few minutes, the Captain came back on the intercom and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m so sorry if I scared you earlier, but while I was talking, the flight attendant brought me a cup of coffee and spilt it in my lap. You should see the front of my pants! A passenger in Coach said, “That’s nothing, he should see the back of mine!”
|
|
|
|
If you would like more information or to pre-order please contact our sales department at sales@maxcraft.ca or 604-465-3080.
|
|
250 – 18799 Airport Way, Pitt Meadows Airport (CYPK), Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4
YVR Office – 4360 Agar Drive, Richmond BC V7B 1A4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
