Release 6.0 Update Includes Flight Director and Additional XM Weather Products

Avidyne Corporation has introduced Release 6.0, a software and hardware update that adds new safety and performance features for the Entegra EXP5000 primary flight display (PFD) and EX5000 multifunction display (MFD). Release 6.0 continues Avidyne's commitment to product enhancement through software updates.

"Release 6.0 is a significant upgrade for your EXP5000 PFD and EX5000 MFD," said Bill Munroe, Avidyne's Director of OEM Product Marketing. "Release 6.0 includes the latest software releases and all upgradeable hardware modifications, and we are recommending it for all Entegra owners."

For the EXP5000 PFD, Release 6.0 adds such features as Flight Director capability, selectable "Wedge" or "flying W" aircraft symbol, V-Speed labels on the airspeed indicator, Heading Tick Marks on the artificial horizon, enhanced autopilot mode annunciations on the PFD, and the ability to select and display ADF bearing on the HSI's bearing pointer.

For the EX5000 MFD, Release 6.0 expands the list of XM WX datalink weather products to include TAFs (Terminal Area Forecasts), Winds Aloft, Freezing Levels, NEXRAD Cell Movement, and Hail Alerts. Release 6.0 also enables pilots to update their Jeppesen® NavData and CMax™ Chart databases using compatible USB Flash Drives, eliminating the need for the Zip Drive portable data loader. The Flash Drive can also be used to download EMax™ Engine Log data from the EX5000.

"The Release 6.0 features and enhancements are based on the expertise within Avidyne and on input from the largest source of real-world integrated flight deck experience in light general aviation aircraft - Entegra pilots and our OEM partners," said Mark Sandeen, Avidyne vice president of sales and marketing. "Release 6.0 represents our ongoing commitment to add more capability and value to GA avionics while improving safety."

The Entegra Flight Director displays Command Bars on the EXP5000 attitude indicator and is driven by the aircraft's STEC55X autopilot, which automatically computes flight path profiles based on the autopilot mode. If the pilot chooses to hand fly the aircraft, the Flight Director Command Bars give the pilot visual cues to fly specific altitudes, descents, climbs, headings, routes, or approaches with increased precision. With the Entegra Flight Director, the pilot maneuvers the plane to align the aircraft symbol with the command bars as directed. When coupled with the autopilot, it allows the pilot to visually monitor the progress of a coupled approach. The Flight Director is especially useful during instrument landing system (ILS) approaches and missed approaches.

V-Speed labels on the EXP5000's Airspeed Indicator for Vx - Best Angle of Climb, Vy - Best Rate of Climb, and Vg - Best Glide, take the guesswork out of flying precise airspeeds during critical phases of flight. The addition of Heading Tick Marks across the EXP5000's horizon improve the pilot's ability to anticipate heading intercepts while reducing the pilot's scan area. Release 6.0 also adds advanced logic to remove the low-airspeed warning indications on the airspeed tape prior to departure and after landing.

"Avidyne started a revolution in GA flying with the Entegra system, and we have created a new value proposition for avionics owners by allowing our existing customers to add new capabilities and upgrade functionality." said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. "Release 6.0 demonstrates our commitment to continuous system enhancements."

Avidyne recommends the Release 6.0 upgrade be performed during an annual inspection or other scheduled maintenance. EXP5000 PFDs are factory upgradeable through Avidyne. EX5000 MFDs are field upgradeable through Avidyne or through aircraft OEM-specific authorized service centers. Release 6.0 is available now, and Avidyne is currently scheduling customers' systems for upgrade.

Release 6.0 upgrades for EX5000 MFD and EXP5000 PFD are $495 for Entegra Systems that are currently under warranty, and $995 for Entegra systems that are out of warranty. For Cirrus owners who want to add the optional Flight Director along with Release 6.0, the cost is $1,495 if under warranty, and $1,995 if out of warranty. Release 6.0 also includes 6 months of additional warranty coverage.

FMI: www.avidyne.com