Avionics industry convenes in Dallas
Aircraft Electronics Association resumes annual gathering
The avionics industry provided another hard data point confirming recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is underway, as an estimated crowd of nearly 1,500 attendees converged on Dallas for the Aircraft Electronics Association’s International Convention and Trade Show. New products and product updates announced at the show expand aircraft connectivity and data collection.
Appareo’s new 4K flight data recorder caught our eye this year—it is a cockpit-mounted camera that captures audio, video, and detailed aircraft data. Our eyes scanned up from there to MyGoFlight’s head-up display, now FAA-approved for installation in Cirrus SR22 and Air Tractor AT–802F “Fire Boss” water bombers.
The in-flight connectivity theme extended to Honeywell, which announced an agreement with SmartSky Networks to offer air-to-ground network access for business aviation customers. SmartSky’s network provides reliable and secure 5G data connectivity in flight.
Garmin came to Dallas with two product updates, expanding the STC for the GFC 600 autopilot to cover installation in certain Pilatus PC–12 models. A smart rudder bias feature was added to the GFC 600 in 2020, and it’s a retrofit option for many legacy aircraft.
Garmin also expanded the installation options for its TXi engine indication system for twin-engine aircraft including the Cessna 425, Beechcraft King Air 90 series, and certain Piper Cheyenne variants with Pratt & Whitney PT6A power. Another Garmin product update came from JetTech, which announced STC approval for Garmin G600 TXi installation on Cessna Citation Jet model 525 series aircraft with serial numbers 001 through 0359, expanding the list of legacy Citations eligible for this retrofit.
Avidyne also has a new STC in hand, announcing on June 22 FAA approval of the SkyTrax200 dual-band ADS-B In receiver. The addition of 1090-MHz direct reception will improve situational awareness, the company noted, because most ADS-B Out transmitters currently in use broadcast on that frequency. The company is offering a free upgrade (for a limited time, labor not included) to SkyTrax100B owners who wish to add dual-band capability.
“In addition, Avidyne customers with any other single-band ADS-B In receiver previously purchased through Avidyne can upgrade to the dual-band SkyTrax200 for $1,250 with trade-in of their single-band unit. Dealer labor is not included,” Avidyne noted in a press release.
Another corporate collaboration announced at the show positions Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics as an authorized repair station for Axnes PNG wireless intercom products in the United States. Mid-Continent plans to service and support Axnes customers by October, including warranty and non-warranty repair and exchange services, the company announced.
