FlightMax EX500: 'Most Affordable Datalink Solution Available For Light General Aviation Aircraft, Providing NEXRAD, METAR, AIRMET/SIGMET, and TFR Updates'

Avidyne has announced they have received FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval and a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for their FlightMax® EX500 and it is available now. The FlightMax EX500, the first multifunction display in the industry with integrated datalink, makes airborne datalink weather and current Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) updates affordable for light general aviation aircraft. Several hundred systems have already been delivered.

With its integrated datalink transceiver, the FlightMax EX500 provides a high-resolution depiction of the weather along the route of flight, including NEXRAD and graphical METARs, seamlessly integrated with the moving map. Text METARs are provided in plain English for easy interpretation. In the current airspace environment where new TFRs pop up frequently, and existing ones change size with little notice, Avidyne's exclusive datalinked TFR updates provide a graphical display of active TFRs for additional situational awareness and an added measure of safety.

Avidyne also certified its FlightMax DC50 Antenna Coupler, which allows the FlightMax EX500 to use a multi-mode (Datalink/COMM or Datalink/GPS/COMM) antenna, saving the installation costs of a dedicated datalink antenna.

"FlightMax EX500 breaks the cost barrier for datalink weather," said Mark Sandeen, vice president of sales and marketing. "Its integrated design allows us to provide the best datalink weather for 25 to 30 percent less than any other available solution, and with the DC50, it's an easy fit and simple installation for most aircraft."

"Our goal is to make datalink as simple to use and affordable as possible. The FlightMax EX500 makes that goal a reality," said Avidyne president Dan Schwinn. "The affordability of the EX500 means datalink will replace Stormscope® as the primary source of weather information for light general aviation aircraft."

In addition, Avidyne operates its own Network Operations Center (NOC) to provide ground-side services and datalink weather content for the FlightMax Datalink Service. Through MyAvidyne.com, FlightMax EX500 owners can set their datalink preferences and have them datalinked to the aircraft the next time they fly. This means you can set your datalink preferences on the ground and automatically receive exactly the weather you want on your next flight. MyAvidyne.com also allows you to view your account status including a log of your flights, the data services delivered to the aircraft, and their billing.

The FlightMax EX500 utilizes Avidyne's exclusive Narrowcast technology, which combines the benefits of a broadcast system with the advantages of a request/reply system. At start up, the EX500 sends a signal to the NOC. The NOC begins sending local weather based on your position. Once your flight plan is entered on your GPS, it is sent to the NOC via the satellite link. Since the NOC knows your route of flight and your current position, we can send the relevant weather (METARs, NEXRAD, AIRMET/SIGMET) and TFRs directly to the airplane based upon your preferences. The NOC tracks your flight and continuously sends the relevant weather without any pilot intervention or actions required. The weather products that you specify are delivered to your airplane when you need them at any altitude. When you land, the EX500 sends a simple command telling the NOC that the flight is complete and weather updates are no longer required. With Narrowcast, you only pay for the weather you use.

In addition to datalink weather, the award-winning FlightMax moving map shows curved flight path segments such as DME arcs, holding patterns and procedure turns, on the same map display with traffic, terrain, airports, runway diagrams, and an extensive US obstacle database. The FlightMax EX500 is also available with support for nineteen different radar indicators, providing easy access to radar modes, tilt and bearing control, and the ability to view radar without leaving the moving map.

Pricing and Availability

FlightMax EX500 multifunction displays with integrated datalink start at $8,995. FlightMax EX500 systems with radar interface and integrated datalink capability start at $9,995. The FlightMax DC50 is $495 when purchased with an EX500. The FlightMax DC50 is $995 when purchased without an EX500. FlightMax EX500 and DC50 are available now through authorized FlightMax dealers.

FMI: www.FlightMaxChallenge.com, www.avidyne.com