Our team recently returned from a trip to Orlando, Florida for the annual Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Convention and Trade Show. The AEA is the international association of more than 1,300 member companies specializing in maintenance, repair, and installation of aircraft electronics systems. This convention gives us the important opportunity to both meet with our many vendors to network and foster relationships, as well as give us more technical knowledge in the form of training seminars, and new product announcements of the latest cutting-edge technologies in the aircraft industry.
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New Products/Announcements
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Maxcraft Avionics Presented with Garmin Platinum Dealer Award
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At the 2023 Annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, Maxcraft was presented with a plaque from Garmin International recognizing us as a Platinum Dealer for the brand. This is the first time in Maxcraft’s history we’ve been granted this prestigious award. This was only possible with the support of our customers, and we hope to continue this trend for many more years.
Garmin reserves the Platinum Dealer title for their most elite dealers worldwide. Maxcraft has been providing sales and installation of Garmin equipment for over three decades and we see this award as an indication we’re doing things right. We credit much of this to our interactive sales approach where we discover what the customer wants to accomplish and present them with multiple options, including products they may not be aware exist which may be a better fit or more affordable.
The Garmin Platinum Dealer award encourages us to continue providing the best sales and support to our customer base and we are eager to receive a similar plaque at next year’s AEA convention.
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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.
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At this years annual convention of the Aircraft Electronics Association, 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.
PlaneSync Allows you to:
- SEAMLESSLY CONNECT WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT
- AUTOMATE YOUR DATABASE UPDATES
- REMOTELY CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR AIRCRAFT
- EASILY ACCESS FLIGHT AND ENGINE DATA
- INTEGRATE MOBILE DEVICES WITH YOUR AVIONICS
PlaneSync is powered by the GDL60 which connects your Garmin avionics suite to the PlaneSync network via an LTE or Wi-Fi connection.
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Gogo Expands 5G Ground Stations into Canada
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At the Aircraft Electronics Association annual convention in Orlando, Florida, Gogo Business Aviation announced their plan to expand their network of 5G ground stations into Canada providing additional coverage to operators in North America.
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.
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.
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The all digital HUB50 streamlines audio panel configuration by eliminating complex manual adjustments, and hard to use computer programs. The HUB50 allows operators to configure over 250 parameters such as, routing, input/output impedance, audio levels, music distribution, lighting levels, and more.
Custom profiles can be saved and shared from the app, and even configured away from the aircraft. Profiles can be transferred from the app to the aircraft in the hangar or on the ramp in a matter of seconds.
This flexibility will allow operators to easily transform aircraft used for multiple missions or easily configure an entire fleet of aircraft to be 100% identical.
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Mid-Continent Flex® Digital 2-inch Standby Instruments
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Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics introduced an all-digital range of their popular 2-inch standby instruments. This new family features an attitude indicator, counter drum encoding altimeter, and airspeed indicator. All three of these instruments are supported by an approved model list (AML) supplemental type certificate (STC) covering more than 180 aircraft.
The Flex digital standby instruments were designed to fit in existing 2-inch panel cutouts eliminating the need to modify the existing panel or cut a new panel. These instruments can be easily installed in one day minimizing downtime.
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Mid-Continent TB14 Lithium Ion General Aviation Batteries
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True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instruments was the first company in the world to certify lithium-ion batteries for aviation. At the Aircraft Electronics Association’s annual convention, in Orlando, Florida, they announced their new TB14, and TB28-12V lithium-ion general aviation main ship batteries, which are their smallest and lightest aircraft batteries.
Both Batteries weigh in at an impressive 10 pounds. The TB14 is designed for aircraft with a 28-volt electrical system, whereas the TB28-12V is designed for 14-volt electrical systems.
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Maxcraft STC Updates – May 2023
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- For aircraft already equipped with a two-hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), Maxcraft has developed a new Supplemental Type Certificate TCCA STC SA23-34 for installation of the Radiant Power Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS) into King Air B200, B200C, B200GT, B200CGT, B300, B300C and Beech 1900D aircraft.
- As part of a complete avionics upgrade, Maxcraft has developed four new STCs which cover the Citation 500, 550, S550, 560, and 560XL series of aircraft:
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2.A) To comply with the upcoming Transport Canada mandate applicable to Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS), Maxcraft developed STC SA23-35 for the installation of Universal Avionics Kapture Cockpit Voice Recorder with integrated RIPS.
All new installations include a non-Lithium Novega GREEN90 Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB).
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2.B) STC SA23-36 for the installation of Garmin GTX Diversity Transponders to comply with ADS-B Diversity requirements being implemented in Canadian Airspace.
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2.C) STC SA23-37 for the installation of Garmin GSR 56 Global Satellite weather and Communications Datalink.
Offering Global weather and communication tools enhance flight safety with access on compatible displays.
Services include graphical radar imagery, METARs, TAFs and more.
2-way text/voice communication keeps you in touch anywhere.
All-inclusive rate plans with weather, voice, and text start at $80 per month.
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2.D) STC SA23-38 for the installation of Mid-Continent Instruments CH93 Clock/USB Charging Ports.
Features:
- 15W/3A out per port, 10–32 VDC.
- Six-digit, seven-segment LED clock.
- Eight modes: Local Time, UTC / Zulu Time, Flight Timer, Countdown Timer, Stopwatch, Volts, OAT and Secondary Air Temp.
- Clock settings include 12- or 24-hour mode and seconds On or Off.
- Manual and automatic lighting control with programmable dimming curves.
- Internal, field-replaceable battery maintains time and Flight Timer memory, without aircraft power.
- Compact, 2-inch size fits standard panel cut-out.
- Protects itself and the charging device from short circuit, power surges and over-current potential.
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Maxcraft worked together with Indonesia Defence Services, a military contractor based in Indonesia to design a major avionics upgrade in the Indonesian Military’s fleet of AS350 and AS550 helicopters. This included the first ever installation of a modern cockpit voice and flight data recorder in a light rotorcraft. Our in-house Design Approval Organization produced a supplemental type certificate (STC) quality data package which included everything required to complete the installation of the Flight Data Systems, along with a G500H TXi primary flight display, which was integrated with a GTN 750H Xi, and GTN 650H Xi.
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“Thank you very much for your support during the Fennec glass cockpit upgrade project….”
Ronaldi Lohardja
Project Engineer
PT Indonesia Defence Services
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Maxcraft’s Design Approval Organization (DAO) assisted Gemini Helicopters with the importation of two EC135 helicopters from Germany. To complete the importation Transport Canada required the EASA supplemental type certificate (STC) used to install the GPS system be converted to a Transport Canada STC. Maxcraft developed a serialized STC covering the two helicopters, while also installing new communications and audio management systems, which were also installed using STCs developed by our in-house DAO.
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ExactAir came to us with this new to them Cessna Caravan which they wanted to transform into the ultimate support aircraft for their work with the SOPFEU, the forest fire fighting authority for the province of Quebec. This included dual G600 TXi primary flight displays, dual GTN Xi navigators, Garmin’s powerful GFC600 digital autopilot, and possibly the first ever installation of Garmin’s TXi Engine Indication System (EIS). Along with the plethora of Garmin glass displays, we also installed many of the industry standard avionics aerial fire fighters rely on such as the Latitude S200 Skynode satellite phone and tracker.
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“In my mind, C-FEUP is truly a work of art and your help and experience in creating this state of the art forestry aircraft was much appreciated….”
Benoit Luneau
President and Owner
ExactAir
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What is a Flight Management System (FMS)?
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We often get asked, what exactly is a Flight Management System (FMS)? I once heard an instructor telling people so and so’s product didn’t qualify as a real FMS. Let’s try and make some sense of all of this.
A Flight Management System (FMS) is an on-board multi-purpose navigation, performance, and aircraft operations computer designed to provide guidance and data to the pilot(s) on a flight from pre-engine start and take-off, to landing and engine shut-down.
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Universal Avionics formulated the first idea of a “Master Navigation System”, which led to the development of the world’s first Flight Management System. According to Wikipedia; the modern FMS was introduced on the Boeing 767, though earlier navigation computers did exist.
A flight management system (FMS) is a fundamental component of a modern airliner’s avionics and is a specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks, reducing the workload on the flight crew to the point that modern civilian aircraft no longer carry flight engineers or navigators. A primary function is in-flight management of the flight plan. Using various sensors (such as GPS and inertial navigation system (INS) often backed up by radio navigation) to determine the aircraft’s position, the FMS can guide the aircraft along the flight path. From the cockpit, the FMS is normally controlled through a Control Display Unit (CDU) which incorporates a small screen and keyboard or touchscreen. The FMS sends the flight plan for display to the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), Navigation Display (ND), or Multifunction Display (MFD).
Certain characteristics are common to all FMSs:
Navigation Database
All FMSs contain a navigation database. The navigation database contains the elements from which the flight plan is constructed and typically need updating every 28 days. These include:
· Waypoints/Intersection
· Airways
· Radio navigation aids including distance measuring equipment (DME), VHF omnidirectional range (VOR), non-directional beacons (NDBs) and instrument landing systems (ILSs).
· Airports
· Runways
· Standard instrument departure (SID)
· Standard terminal arrival (STAR)
· Holding patterns (only as part of IAPs-although can be entered by command of ATC or at pilot’s discretion)
· Instrument approach procedure (IAP)
· Waypoints can also be defined by the pilot(s) along the route or by reference to other waypoints with entry of a place in the form of a waypoint (e.g. a VOR, NDB, ILS, airport or waypoint/intersection).
Flight Plan
The flight plan is generally determined on the ground, before departure either by the pilot for smaller aircraft or a professional dispatcher for airliners. The FMS also sends the flight plan information for display on the Navigation Display (ND) or the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS).
Position Determination
Once in flight, a principal task of the FMS is to determine the aircraft’s position and the accuracy of that position. Simple FMS use a single sensor, generally GPS in order to determine position. But modern FMS use as many sensors as they can, such as VORs, in order to determine and validate their exact position.
Guidance
Given the flight plan and the aircraft’s position, the FMS calculates the course to follow. The pilot can follow this course manually (much like following a VOR radial), or the autopilot can be set to follow the course.
VNAV
The Vertical Navigation (VNAV) feature is used to predict and optimize the vertical path. The first thing the VNAV calculates for the descent is the top of descent point (TOD). From the TOD, the VNAV determines a four-dimensional predicted path. As the VNAV commands the aircraft begins its descent along the VNAV path to precisley make it to the ground at a comfortable constant rate of descent.
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Now with the modern avionics available to the General Aviation sector, products like Garmin’s GTN GPS/Nav/Com/MFD series, give the majority of these features to the single engine piston pilot. After flying many hours behind a GTN 750, I would confidently call that a Flight Management System which brings airline like capabilities to the piston GA fleet .
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At Collins Aerospace, we’re working side-by-side with our customers and partners to dream, design and deliver solutions that redefine the future of our industry. By reaching across the markets we serve and drawing on our vast portfolio of expertise, we are making the most powerful concepts in aerospace a reality every day. Explore all the ways we’re redefining aerospace with one of the deepest capability sets and broadest perspectives in the industry.
Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion aftermarket upgrades provide extraordinary, all-in-one alternatives for complying with airspace modernization deadlines. These upgrades bring turnkey compliance with ADS-B, performance-based navigation and more.
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The Collins Aerospace Head Office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Our Capabilities
Driving breakthrough solutions – for today and the next generation.
Industries We Serve
From the battlespace to deep space, we bring it all together like no one else can.
As the industry faces new challenges and embraces new technologies, Collins is collaborating and innovating with our customers to bring big ideas to life. And together, we’re redefining the future of aerospace.
- We’re enabling hybrid-electric propulsion for more fuel-efficient flights.
- We’re creating lighter-weight, higher-performing structures to decrease maintenance.
- We’re reducing pilot workload with more autonomous operations.
- We’re combining modern design with innovative technology for a best-in-class cabin experience.
- We’re transforming the use of data into powerful insights that improve airline and airport operations as well as passenger experiences.
- We’re delivering more digital systems for the connected airspace and battlespace to support faster decision-making and improved mission effectiveness.
- We’re driving forward more sustainable practices and products while accelerating advancements in technology and embracing digital transformation.
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This progress is only possible when you recognize it’s not just the pieces and parts that move our industry forward, but how they all fit together. And that’s what we know better than anyone else.
From aircraft nose to tail and from the battlespace to deep space, we’re constantly collaborating with customers and partners across Raytheon Technologies, pioneering new technologies to transform promising ideas into breakthrough solutions – for today and the next generation, on aircraft and beyond.
With a comprehensive portfolio, extensive capabilities and broad expertise, we’re crafting intelligent solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market – all representing the best in innovation and technology for the industries we serve.
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Commercial
Cockpit to cabin, nose to tail, and across the flight experience, we are one of the world’s largest providers of aerospace systems, avionics, interior systems and information management services for commercial aircraft. Our solutions deliver enhanced passenger safety and comfort, maximized operational efficiency, secure and reliable connectivity and improved availability, maintainability and sustainability.
Business Aviation
We partner with nearly every business jet manufacturer in the world to elevate the aviation experience. Our intelligent and connected cockpits help pilots fly more safely and efficiently. Our flight support services provide operators with a single resource for best-in-class flight planning, trip support and flight operations management. And our luxurious interiors, advanced cabin management and connectivity solutions create customized experiences for the most discerning travelers.
Military & Defense
When lives are on the line, proven performance means everything. We deliver a broad spectrum of advanced, battle-proven solutions – in the air, on the ground or at sea, in both manned and unmanned platforms – that serve the warfighters of today and tomorrow. Our intelligent military and defense solutions help our customers complete their missions safely, efficiently and effectively.
Helicopters
As one of the world’s leading providers of advanced systems for commercial and military helicopters, we equip rotorcraft from all major manufacturers to help you save more lives, complete more missions and get more done.
Space
A new age of space flight has dawned, and we are at the forefront. Using our decades of experience in systems design and production for spacecraft, we’re leveraging unmatched capabilities to help ensure successful missions in the new frontiers of tomorrow.
Airports
The number of travelers is growing and so are their expectations of the airport experience. With a global presence at more than 170 airports, Collins Aerospace helps airports meet and exceed those expectations. We offer integrated and intelligent solutions for passenger processing and facilitation, airport operations and baggage management. And with a reputation as a master communications network integrator, we understand the flow of the airport is the flow of the industry.
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David is Maxcraft’s Aircraft Service Manager. This job involves coordinating many of the activities involved in making a project come together. This includes allocation of shop resources, coordinating with the various departments at Maxcraft, and high-level project planning. David is often times the primary contact for customers once their aircraft enters the shop. After our sales team helps a customer decide on what equipment will be best for their situation, David ensures the project is completed in an efficient and logical manner.
David has been with Maxcraft for almost 5 years but has been working in the aviation industry for 18 years. His path into aviation is unique. When he was younger, he was introduced to a family friend whose husband had worked for Air Canada as an avionics technician for 30 years. Since the family friend thought David wasn’t taking his future seriously, she signed him up for the BCIT common core and avionics course.
While most people in the aviation industry will jump at any opportunity to fly in nearly any form of flying machine, David has a small fear of flying which he attributes to a number of helicopters incidents he was in as a young avionics technician. David has always loved working in aviation because of the variation in work, no two days are the same. Some of his most memorable experiences were the times he spent on the road travelling around Canada and beyond, meeting interesting people, and working on cool aircraft. His proudest moments working at Maxcraft mostly consist of the many fleetwide upgrade projects we have completed, such as the major upgrades we completed on a number of aerial firefighting bird dogs, and the extensive fleet upgrades we’ve completed over the years for Canadian Helicopters. One airframe that has always been important to both Maxcraft and David is the Sikorsky S61. In his career, David has rewired close to two dozen S61s and finds them to be a lot of fun to work on and is the type of airframe someone can fall in love with.
In his personal life, David is married, has two kids, and a handful of fish. He enjoys staying physically active by going to the gym 3-4 times per week, along with walking and hiking. While he doesn’t play any organized sports, he will enjoy a casual game every now and then. He’s an avid woodworker, and enjoys building things for his garden, which he also spends time maintaining. He also considers himself to be a movie buff, often times quoting movies or sharing trivia facts.
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EI Mail in Rebate
Starting June 12 EI is having a major rebate sale.
Purchases must be made between June 12th and June 30th, 2023.
Click here to download the rebate for and see a complete list of rebate items!
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Avidyne Expands IFD + TAS Bundle Pricing
Purchase any model IFD with any model of SkyTrax6XX TAS and save $2,500
For a limited time, Avidyne is expanding the ‘IFD-plus-TAS’ Bundle Pricing. This offer is valid now through September 30, 2023. Read more here
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Aspen is having a sale on on all Aspen Avionics Evolution Flight Display Systems.
NEW MAX, E5, TRADE TO NEW, HELICOPTER, CLASS III, AND REMANUFACTURED SYSTEMS
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Whether you are an existing customer or new to Gogo, they are offering a rebate on their Avance L3 and L5 systems. Click here for more details!
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Garmin GNS upgrade program
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Bose is having a sale on their A20’s!
Call us for pricing or check out our webstore!
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Pitt Meadows Airport Days
June 24, 2023
Pitt Meadows, BC
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Malibu/Mirage Owners and
Pilots Association
Aug. 31 – Sept 3, 2023
Colorado Springs
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Canadian Business Aviation Association
July 11 – 13, 2023
Calgary, Alberta
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TBM Owners and Pilots Association
Sept 6 – 10, 2023
Colorado Springs
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Experimental Aircraft
Association
July 24 – 30,2023
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
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National Business Aviation Association
Oct 17-19, 2023
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Teaching the child
As a crowded airliner is about to take off, the peace is shattered by a 5-year-old boy who picks that moment to throw a wild temper tantrum. No matter what his frustrated, embarrassed mother does to try to calm him down, the boy continues to scream furiously and kick the seats around him.
Suddenly, from the rear of the plane, an elderly man in the uniform of an Air Force General is seen slowly walking forward up the aisle. Stopping the flustered mother with an upraised hand, the white-haired, courtly, soft-spoken General leans down and, motioning toward his chest, whispers something into the boy’s ear.
Instantly, the boy calms down, gently takes his mother’s hand, and quietly fastens his seat belt. All the other passengers burst into spontaneous applause.
As the General slowly makes his way back to his seat, one of the cabin attendants touches his sleeve. “Excuse me, General,” she asks quietly, “but could I ask you what magic words you used on that little boy?”
The old man smiles serenely and gently confides, “I showed him my pilot’s wings, service stars, and battle ribbons, and explained that they entitle me to throw one passenger out the plane door on any flight I choose.”
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If you would like more information or to pre-order please contact our sales department at sales@maxcraft.ca or 604-465-3080.
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250 – 18799 Airport Way, Pitt Meadows Airport (CYPK), Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4
YVR Office – 4360 Agar Drive, Richmond BC V7B 1A4
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