STC Adds To AML For Two-Way Datalink Transceiver

Avionics supplier Avidyne Corporation announced Tuesday its new MLX770 two-way datalink transceiver has received a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that extends the EASA Approved Model List (AML) to include unpressurized composite aircraft such as the Cirrus SR20 and SR22.

"Adding composite aircraft to the European AML adds yet another large population of aircraft that can take advantage of the MLX770," said Avidyne Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Herguth. "Cirrus pilots worldwide will now begin to benefit from the safety-enhancing strategic datalink capability of the MLX770."

"The MLX770 provides pilots flying in Europe with the safety advantages of satellite datalink weather," said Steven Middendorp of Cirrus Europe. "The MLX770 is in great demand here in Europe and we can now provision many of the Cirrus aircraft we maintain with this terrific new technology."

Avidyne partnered with Röder Präzision GmbH of Eglesbach, Germany to develop a custom antenna mounting bracket that makes antenna installation much easier in the composite Cirrus aircraft. This optional bracket is available directly from Röder.

"Röder Präzision did extensive analysis and flight testing to verify the best locations to mount the MLX770 satellite antenna." said Oliver Baer of Röder Präzision. "With this STC, European dealers' installation costs are minimized and the owner is assured of high quality operation delivering weather to the cockpit when needed the most."

Avidyne previously received EASA STC for unpressurized metal aircraft in Europe, as well as a full Federal Aviation Administration STC approval with an AML covering over 700 aircraft models of N-registered aircraft. The EASA AML STC now allows the MLX770 to be installed in over 200 different models of unpressurized metal and composite non-N-registered aircraft in Europe.

The FAA AML STC allows the MLX770 to be installed in virtually any metal, composite, pressurized or unpressurized Class I, II, or III N-registered aircraft that is operating anywhere in the world. Avidyne is also pursuing a separate EASA STC for pressurized aircraft which will be announced in the coming weeks.

FMI: www.avidyne.com