Economies of Synergy
Aspen Avionics and Trio Avionics (The STC Group LLC), have announced the integration of Trio Pro Pilot autopilot and Aspen Avionics display packages for over a dozen aircraft models.
The combined package(s) may be purchased from Aspen Avionics and Trio authorized dealers and start at $10,750 for the affordable Aspen Evolution E5 flight display and Trio Pro Pilot autopilot.
The Trio Pro Pilot is a two-axis digital autopilot designed for precise navigation and altitude control. The unit encompasses all the performance and safety features of Trio’s legacy systems and makes such available in a single, panel-mounted instrument. The combined autopilot and display system offers dynamic functionality with control of the autopilot accomplished via the Aspen display.
Functions for the E5 and Pro MAX Primary Flight Display (PFD) (with v2.12 software) include: Selected Heading, selected course, corrected barometric altitude, selected altitude, Global Positioning System/Steering (GPSS), and Global Positioning System-Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (GPS LPV) approaches.
Pro Pilot autopilot pricing starts at $5,995. The autopilot enablement software, when integrated with the Aspen display(s), constitutes an additional fee of $200. Customers with existing Trio autopilot installations may return their control head to Trio Avionics to complete the integration for $400.
Aspen Avionics vice-president of sales and customer support Mark Ferrari stated: “Aspen welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Trio Avionics to provide an affordable digital autopilot/electronic flight display (EFIS) system for aircraft owners seeking an alternative option beyond a single manufacturer. We continue to offer an open integration platform that provides aircraft owners a choice when it comes to equipping their aircraft with the latest technology.”
STC Group LLC managing director and sales manager Jeff Odum remarked: “Trio Avionics is pleased to offer our autopilot integration with the Aspen Avionics flight display system to the general aviation community. Like Aspen, we firmly adopt the concept of offering affordable avionics alternatives. Aspen Avionics systems are by far the most intuitive interface we will develop. We look to add more functionality as the relationship progresses”.
The baseline Evolution E5 consolidates Attitude Indicator (AI) plus Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) into a single display with a rechargeable backup battery. It also includes GPSS, Air Data Computer (ADC), and Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS). The installation of the Evolution E5 allows owners to remove their aircraft’s vacuum systems and requires no backup Attitude Indicator.