Avidyne, Southern Star Avionics To Add 90-Series To AML

Avidyne Corporation and Southern Star Avionics announced recently they are collaborating on the engineering and certification of another Envision integrated flight deck system retrofit program, this time in a King Air E90. The two firms are pursuing a Supplemental Type Certificate which will eventually add A through E series King Airs to the Approved Model List (AML).

Southern Star recently acquired a King Air E90 to serve as a platform aircraft for the development program and has begun the installation of the single EXP5000 primary flight display (PFD) and EX5000 multi-function display (MFD), interfaced with an S-TEC 65X autopilot. The two companies recently certified the Envision retrofit package with an STEC 55X autopilot in Cessna 400-Series aircraft, and an EXP5000 PFD retrofit for legacy Cirrus aircraft.

As a result of this program, Avidyne can now offer single-PFD and dual-PFD Envision options on these 90-Series aircraft. As ANN has reported, Avidyne and S-TEC previously certified a dual-PFD, single MFD Envision configuration with STEC 2100 autopilot for 200-Series and 90-Series King Airs.

"Avidyne is leading the way with retrofit glass solutions that are increasing functionality, improving safety, and extending the life of these very popular aircraft," said Tom Harper, Avidyne's Director of Marketing. "We have developed a very effective partnership with Southern Star in adapting Envision retrofits to a growing list of legacy aircraft."

The STC for the Envision King Air 90-Series airplanes in expected in the second quarter of 2008. Retail pricing for the Envision PFD upgrade for King Air A, B, C, and E Series aircraft begins at $34,995 for the EXP5000 PFD including STC Kit. Options include the EX500 or EX5000 MFD, Avidyne's dual-antenna TAS600 traffic advisory system, MLB700 broadcast datalink weather, and TWX670 Tactical Lightning Detection.

FMI: www.avidyne.com, www.southernstar.aero