Avidyne has just tipped ANN to the fact that the FAA has awarded TSO and STC approval for XM WX satellite weather and CMax Electronic Approach Chart display capabilities for Avidyne's FlightMax® EX500 multi-function displays. This certification also includes approval for EX500 Release 2.0 system software, which adds major roads and rivers to the base map, as well as providing a TIS traffic interface with the GTX330 transponder. The EX500 provides the most advanced and affordable datalink weather and situational awareness tools including the largest array of radar and sensor interfaces available.

With the addition of XM WX datalink weather, the EX500 gives pilots access to Avidyne's exclusive MultiLink™ technology, integrating Avidyne's two-way datalink for route-specific weather data with XM's high-speed broadcast of textual and graphical weather information from across the United States. XM WX features high resolution broadcast NEXRAD radar images, graphical and plain English METARs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and TFRs. The service also provides continental United States lightning data from the National Lightning Detection Network®. While weather information provided via two-way or broadcast data feeds may be used separately, the combination gives pilots comprehensive and continuously updated information on weather conditions and flight restrictions.

CMax provides instant access to Jeppesen's JeppView® electronic airport diagrams and instrument departure, arrival and approach charts. The EX500 automatically displays aircraft position overlaid on the airport diagram for positional awareness while taxiing. In flight, CMax shows the aircraft position and flight plan on the selected approach chart. It enables the pilot to view the entire chart, zoom in, review the plan or profile views, or read the Jeppesen Briefing Strip™ and approach minima information. The CMax system simplifies and speeds access to needed charts while maintaining an organized cockpit environment during high-workload phases of flight.

Jeppesen provides subscribers with periodic CD-ROM updates. Subscribers can use their personal computer to display and print charts while on the ground. Updates are transferred to the EX500 through the FlightMax dataloader.

"The EX500 with XM Weather, MultiLink™ and CMax is the most compelling combination of capability and affordability available in the market today," said Mark Sandeen, vice president of sales and marketing. "The EX500 gives pilots powerful tools for situational awareness, for weather decision-making, for avoiding runway incursions and even for taxiing at an unfamiliar airport or in reduced visibility."

"The new features of the EX500 are at the core of what Avidyne is all about, providing simple, intuitive products that deliver unmatched performance, overall safety and peace of mind," said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. "Avidyne continues to lead the industry in innovation, and we are first again with XM, CMax, and MultiLink."

All new EX500s include Release 2.0 system software, XM WX and MultiLink capability. The FlightMax EX500 starts at $8,995. The FlightMax EX500 with RDR130/150/160 radar interface starts at $9,995. The FlightMax EX500 with B/K RDR2000/RDR2100 radar interface starts at $11,995. Existing EX500 units may be upgraded for Release 2.0 system software, TIS traffic, XM WX and MultiLink capability for $500. New XM WX and MultiLink capable EX500s and Release 2.0 upgrade kits are in production and available now. XM WX and MultiLink require the purchase of XMD-076 XM Datalink Receiver from Heads Up Technology (www.heads-up.com), priced at $3,750.

Pricing for the CMax Electronic Approach Chart option on new and existing EX500s is $2,495 and is in production and available now. Jeppesen revision service is required at additional cost and available through Jeppesen (www.jeppesen.com). XM WX datalink weather service is available from XM (www.xmradio.com/weather) in two plans. The Aviator plan is priced at $49.95 and includes NEXRAD, graphical & textual METARs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, TFRs, and Lightning. The $29.99 Aviator Lite plan includes NEXRAD, graphical & textual METARs and TFRs. Pricing for Avidyne Narrowcast Datalink is available from Avidyne on a pay-as-you-go or annual fee basis.

The Approved Model List of Part 23 Class I, II and III aircraft covered in the EX500 STC is available from Avidyne. Installation approval is available through FAA Form 337.

FMI: www.avidyne.com, SnF Booth D43/44