Upcoming Events
“Parade of Planes”
Palm Springs
Oct. 15-17
Air Transport Association of Canada
Montreal, QC
Nov. 2 – 4, 2015
Dubai World Central
Dubai
Nov. 8 – 15, 2015
Helicopter Association of Canada
Vancouver, BC
Nov. 13 – 15, 2015
National business Aviation Association
Las Vegas, NV
Nov. 17 – 19, 2015
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“The staff at Maxcraft Avionics Ltd. were fabulous to deal with.
They were very professional, knowledge and very responsive to my needs. The offered me with great advice and we worked very closely to develop an avionics package that was the most suitable for my mission and my price range.
They were upfront with the pricing and there were no surprises or hidden charges at the end of the project.
I learned a lot about avionics from this
process and it was a pleasure to work with the group at Maxcraft Avionics Ltd.
Thank you.
Francis Cheung
GLBC”
Want to read about the full project?
More Successes
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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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New products, new vendor, and an unusual project involving a Cessna 175 and Glastar |
Greetings,
Fall is arriving and bringing with it a new issue of Maxnews. Many new products have been announced from various vendors like L-3’s new Genesis ESI-500 or Cool City Avionics with their new interface to Aspens EFD-1000H. Read about an unusual project, Ali’s trip to AEA, and a guide to ANR headsets.Enjoy!
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L-3 Aviation Products introduced its next- generation Electronic Standby Instrument, the GENESIS ESI-500. The standby unit is designed specifically for Class I, II and III Part 23 aircraft and Part 27 helicopters. L-3’s ESI-500 is compatible with existing NAV and GPS equipment, facilitating ease of installation and interconnectivity, according to the company.
The compact unit is scalable and comes standard with altitude, attitude, slip
/skid, vertical speed (VS) and aircraft track (via ARINC 429 source). Options are available for the display of navigation information and Synthetic Vision (SynVis), including terrain and obstacles. Magnetic heading is an available option when coupled with the low cost and compact MAG-500 magnetometer. The ESI is compatible with existing NAV radios and GPS hardware. An internal lithium-ion battery pack automatically powers the system without interruption upon loss of main input power.
Mountain High has announced the release of the next generations of EDS (Electronic Delivery System) Plus Demand oxygen controllers, the O2D1-2G and O2D2-2G. The new Pulse Demand System still incorporates all the benefits for the legacy controllers but with many improvements. The EDS unit now incorporates a MIL spec ruggedized easy-to- grip rotary controls switch providing improved reliability, increased ease of function and visibility. This switch also has very positive position detents for excellent tactile feedback making it resistant to changes from casual rubbing or bumping.
Manifold design is improved to allow for better breathing response and effort tracking. This combined with a new circuit board, as well as a new micro-controller, gives improved power-conserving operations with even less RFI emissions, better respire-metric tracking and dispensing of oxygen in finer resolution resulting in smoother steps from altitude and breathing changes.
Other improvements include: bi-color system battery status light, audio alerts and warnings are louder, 6000 Ohm stereo external audio jack as well as a USB compatible external power port and abandoned unit auto shut off.
Bose announced updates to its A20 Aviation Headset, including Bluetooth audio, customizable audio prioritization, flexible power with auto-on capability (for select headset variants), and a coil cord cable for helicopter pilots.
Garmin said that as a result of new policy issued by the FAA, helicopter owners and operators now have the ability to install HTAWS more easily. With thousands of HTAWS-ready solutions fielded, including the GTN 650/750 and GNS 430W/530W series navigators, this critical safety tool and soon to be required technology is easier to incorporate into new and existing installations.
L-3 Aviation Products announced that its Lynx NGT-9000 MultiLink Surveillance System models are now included in the AML STC for a large
number of aircraft. With STC SA02444AK, the Lynx NGT-9000 joins the Lynx NGT-2000/2500 as a certified solution that enables general aviation aircraft to comply with the FAA’s mandate to equip with ADS-B capability. L-3 received TSO authorization from the FAA for the Lynx NGT-9000 earlier this year.
Garmin announced the availability of a Weather Radar Operations eLearning Course through the flyGarmin website. This new course introduces pilots to basic and intermediate weather radar operations and goes beyond the Pilot’s Guide to ensure pilots utilize the benefits provided by onboard weather radar. In addition, Garmin announced a new touchscreen controller option, which serves as the interface between the pilot and G2000, G3000 and G5000 integrated flight decks, while also providing standby flight display capabilities.
Cool City Avionics announces the development of an interface to the Aspen EFD-1000H flight display. The new interface allows Cool City Avionics HAP and HFC series, 2 and 3 axis. Autopilots, currently being installed in Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters, to be connected to the popular Aspen display.
Trig Avionics’ ADS-B STC for the TT22 transponder is now available. The associated STC covers 576 aircraft types and allows a range of compliant GPS devices to be used.
Garmin
announced a new USB Aviation Data Card Programmer for the GNS series of products. This new data card programmer enables customers to transfer terrain and obstacle databases from flygarmin.com with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
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In the Hangar: Cessna 175 & Glasair Glastar Transplant
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Transferring avionics from one aircraft to the other
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This project is somewhat unusual in that it involves the direct transplant of several avionic systems from one aircraft to another. The two aircraft involved are a Glasair Glastar and a Cessna 175. Avionics which are suitable for certified aircraft are being removed from the home-built Glastar to be installed in the C175. Meanwhile, the Glastar is receiving a new avionics package centered on the Garmin G3X touch. Work is being performed on both aircraft simultaneously by two teams of technicians.
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Cessna 175 (missing one more cover plate)
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Justification for directly transplanting avionics from one aircraft to another is simply a matter of convenience and price. With excellent equipment immediately available at no cost, our customer was able to save some money while outfitting both aircraft for their intended roles with a minimum of hassle.
As for those roles… the Glastar is being set up to take the role of IFR-capable pleasure-craft, while the C175 is destined for VFR flights. Read more about this project here.
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Why buy a noise cancelling headset?
When asked what headset a new pilot should purchase our somewhat cheeky response is “do you want to buy one or two?” We go on to explain you can buy a good quality (or not) passive headset but ultimately you’re going to end up with an Active Noise Cancelling unit – they really are that good!
ANR Technology Explained:
Active noise reduction is a relatively new technology that is especially effective at reducing low frequency noise, such as the engine and propeller noise in a light aircraft. ANR was first conceived in the 1930s and had started showing up in science fiction stories by the 1950s, but it was the 1970s before mainstream scientists began to investigate the possibility seriously. ANR technology didn’t become a reality in general aviation until the 1990s.
Here’s how it works: A tiny microphone, typically placed in the earcup of a headset, picks up noise inside the earcup. That information is transmitted to the headset’s electronics, which drive a speaker, also inside the earcup, to produce a noise that is the exact mirror image of the original noise. In other words the “trough” of one sound wave (the noise caused by the propeller) corresponds to the “crest” of another (the “antinoise” created by the headset). When the sound waves collide, they cancel each other out; so what you hear is the sweet sound of silence.
That’s not to say that an ANR headset will leave you unable to hear the important things going on around you like air traffic controller instructions and the hum of the engine that lets you know everything is as it should be. ANR works most effectively on low-frequency noise. (This is the kind of noise that causes permanent hearing loss across all frequencies, if experienced over a long period of time.) ANR does very little to affect the relatively higher frequencies of, for example, voices. In addition, it really only works well for tonal noises like those sounds containing a very limited number of frequencies, such as propeller noise; so you still hear broadband, mixed frequency sounds, such as the wind flowing over the airframe. You can also tell when a sound changes. So, if the rhythmic pulse of the propeller is altered by the addition or loss of power, your ears will tell you about it.
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Noise Cancellation graph showing both ANR and Passive reduction working in unison
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Much is made of noise canceling microphones and with good reason the less background noise cluttering up your transmissions, the better. Any type of microphone can be designed to help cancel noise, but electret microphones are generally considered the most effective when it comes to noise cancellation. Most modern headsets, both ANR and Passive now use these electret microphones.
Here’s how it works: When sound waves, including the undesirable sound waves we call noise, reach the diaphragm of a microphone, those sounds are transmitted. But, if sound waves reach both the front and back of the diaphragm simultaneously, the diaphragm doesn’t move, effectively canceling out the sound. Noise canceling mics have openings that channel ambient noise to both sides of the diaphragm. When you speak into the microphone, however, the sound waves from your voice hit only one side of the diaphragm, allowing it to flex.
Other Features:
Since ANR headsets have a microprocessor on board most come with one or more additional features. Here are but a few to consider
- Bluetooth capability for cell phone and music
- Auto on/off detection (to save those batteries)
- Auto muting or reduction of music/cell if ATC becomes active
- Enhanced concert-class music fidelity
- Custom Acoustic response mapping to your ear
- iOS link for recording/playback/customization
- Firmware updates via a USB port
Brands:
There are now many brands of ANR headsets for sale. The two leaders in the industry are Bose and Lightspeed.
For more technical papers click here.
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Vendor Profile: Cool City Avionics
Cool City Avionics was formed in 2003, by a team of managers and engineers with over 100 years of collective autopilot experience, to develop a modern family of automatic flight control systems (autopilots) for helicopters and airplanes, along with Stability Augmentation Systems for helicopters. The company has grown over the years to a staff of 22 with more than 300 years of total experience, and has moved twice, each time into larger quarters. The photo shows the entrance to the current headquarters and attached hangars.
There a number of unique features and benefits in the company’s family of 2- and 3-axis autopilots that have optional stability augmentation systems. The systems are sold through high-quality authorized dealers like Maxcraft, who have the necessary avionics experience and capability. They are lightweight and easy to install and maintain, and, best of all, much lower cost than the older systems in the market, many of which have fewer features. Systems start at less than $30,000, and 3-axis autopilots are under $80,000.
The system shown is the HFC-150, a 3-axis Autopilot with a Stability and Control Augmentation System (SCAS) that is designed for installation in smaller helicopters, such as the Robinson R44 and R66, but can handle large helicopters like the Sikorsky S-61.
The systems are the only ones approved to the latest FAA TSO C-198. Currently, the systems have an STC for installation in R44s. STC projects are underway on the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and the Robinson R66 and approvals are expected shortly. Next up will be STC projects on the Airbus EC-120 (now the H120) and the Sikorsky S-61.
The company is continuing to develop new products, including both 4-axis and dual autopilots for helicopters and a full line of autopilots for airplanes.
Complete information about the company’s family of automatic flight control systems is available on their website: www.CoolCityAvionics.com
or by calling Maxcraft Avionics.
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Did you know? AEA Canada Regional Meeting
The Aircraft Electronics Association Canada Regional meeting was held in Toronto over a period of two days, October 1st and 2nd. This meeting offered AME seminars covering the latest aviation advancements in the cockpit. By sending one of our licensed technicians, to the AEA, Maxcraft Avionics pursued its commitment to ongoing training, keeping staff members current in all aspects of their job.
Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in 43 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions. The AEA provides a wide variety of benefits and services to its membership, including a monthly magazine, Avionics News, as well as training and regulatory representation.
A few of the seminars included:
An AEA Regulatory Session with TCCA representatives providing the latest organizational changes in Ottawa and their effect on AMOs, as well as the certification of avionics projects
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product information sessions including:
- Gogo Business Aviation Training – Inflight Communications 101
- L-3 Aviation Products Training – overview of the L-3 Lynx ADS-B and UAT Solutions
- Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing
- Cobham Aerospace Communications
- Cobham AvComm
- FreeFlight Systems
- Genesys Aerosystems
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
- Avidyne Product Training
- Garmin Aviation Training
A Review of the Canadian Bilateral Avaition Safety Agreement and doing business across the North American Border
This training is hugely beneficial to our AMEs and to our customers. Comments from our attending senior technician, Ali Miri:
“Being my first time attending AEA meetings, I didn’t know what to expect. But by the end of second day, I was very impressed by amount of technical and regulatory information that were given and glad that I had this opportunity to learn and meet new people in the industry. Overall, I thought all seminars were outstanding, but by far my favourite would be regulatory sessions with TCCA and Rick Peri (AEA’s vice president of government and industry affairs). The primary focus of these sessions was to address ADS-B requirements and any questions.”
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