Becomes First To STC New System For Rotorcraft

Metro Aviation recently completed a year-long process to STC the new Garmin GTN 650/750 for the EC135 helicopter. Metro is the first to STC the equipment for Single Pilot IFR (SPIFR) rotorcraft and has already installed the equipment on two experimental aircraft with plans to install more this summer.

Metro Aviation’s SPIFR Kit incorporates the latest Garmin technology. The Garmin GTN 650/750 replaces the former GNS series and provides a versatile, state-of-the-art display. The most noticeable difference will be the touch screen display, but the equipment also incorporates a digital audio system, digital standby instrument system and both standard color weather radar and satellite radar options.

“This is how we operate on a daily basis,” says Metro Aviation Managing Director Milton Geltz. “In an age of touch screen tablets delivering information in a moment’s notice, this equipment is more in line with what we have come to expect and I am happy that we are now able to provide this technology to our customers.” Geltz went on to say, “This project was challenging on many fronts. The FAA considers the GTN systems ‘new and novel’ and, with the addition of the ADS-B, it was quite an undertaking. We logged over 50 flight hours on three aircraft to fully test the installations. The STC project was sequenced to the Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) and without their guidance, assistance and support, the program would not have been achievable.”

In addition to a new interface, the GTN has 550% more pixels than its predecessor and offers high-resolution terrain, graphical flight plan editing and advanced weather features. The equipment also includes Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), a cooperative technology to track aircraft using GPS instead of radar. ADS-B is not only more accurate, but will allow more aircraft to fly in a smaller area. By 2020, the FAA will require ADS-B equipment for aircraft flying in Class A, B and C airspace, around busy airports and above 10,000 feet. 

The former GNS system has been unavailable for over a year. Metro was able to purchase some of the last GNS 530’s available to ensure uninterrupted service for customers requesting Garmin legacy equipment. With the introduction of Metro’s latest STC, the company can provide a seamless transition to the new system.

The FAA, Garmin representatives and Metro have conducted extensive test flights with the new configuration.

(Top Image provided by Metro Aviation. Garmin GTN image from file)

FMI: www.metroaviation.com