Installation Approved When Interfaced With Aspen Evolution PFD

The FAA has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to Avidyne for the installation of their DFC90 Digital Autopilot in Beechcraft Bonanza series aircraft when interfaced with the Evolution Pro Primary Flight Display (EFD1000 PFD) from Aspen Avionics. Avidyne previously certified the DFC90 with the Entegra PFD in the Cirrus SR20 and SR22 and with the Aspen PFD in Cessna 182 Skylane series aircraft. Avidyne also has plans to certify the DFC90 in the Beechcraft Baron series, among others. 

This STC covers the DFC90 autopilot as a plug-and-play retrofit of existing STEC55X systems in 25 models of the venerable Beech Bonanza including the 35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33, E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33, H35, J35, K35, M35, N25, P35, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, A36 and A36TC.  More than 17,000 of these specific models of aircraft have been produced from 1946 to the present. The DFC90 uses the existing servos of the STEC55X autopilot that it replaces.  STEC30/50/60-2/65 series autopilots may also be replaced by a DFC90 under this STC.  Aspen holds an Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) for their Evolution Pro PFD on a wide range of aircraft including these Bonanza models.  

“The Bonanza has a great heritage and their owners represent a large percentage of active general aviation pilots,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer.   “We have seen a considerable amount of interest in the DFC90 from Bonanza owners who are looking to enhance performance and safety. With this STC, Envelope Protection, full-time Envelope Alerting, the Straight and Level button are now available to them with the DFC90, as well as Synthetic Vision with the Aspen Pro PFD.”

“We are continuing to expand the reach of the DFC90 autopilot and to bring its safety- and performance-enhancing capabilities to more and more aircraft,” said Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President and CEO. “Bonanza owners are incredibly brand-loyal and are willing to invest in new technology to enhance their aircraft, and they appreciate the fact that the addition of a DFC90 and an Aspen Pro PFD can make their flying safer and more enjoyable.”

FMI: www.avidyne.com