First Rotary Wing Product Is Now Available

By Jennifer Staretorp

After the market made a turn for the worse back in September, Aspen Avionics says they are happy to announce that their sales figures are back up to where they were last year, and the company has set several milestones over the past year despite the tough economic times

In January Aspen received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) allowing them to install the Evolution Flight Display, EFD1000, in European Aircraft. In March, the company received the approval of the FAA to eliminate the requirement of a backup altitude indicator with the installation of the EFD1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD) in VFR aircraft.

More recently the Aspen product line was issued the first European Supplemental Type Certification (STC) by the EASA, allowing Aspen to install EFD1000 PFD (pictured).

Aspen's pursuit of international certifications from organizations such as EASA is part of a company wide effort to expand their global presence.

At an early morning media briefing at AirVenture 2009 Tuesday, Aspen announced both Brazil and Canada have issued STC's for the installation of EFD1000 PFD's in airplanes registered in those countries. In a press release issued by the company Doug Cayne, Aspen Avionics VP of Marketing said "Both Brazil and Canada have large GA fleets that can benefit from the many advantages Aspen's Evolution system brings to older aircraft. Almost half of all Part 23 GA airplanes are based outside the United States, and Aspen is committed to bringing its award-winning products and customer support to all those aircraft owners around the world."

Aspen CEO John Uczekaj

Not only is Aspen trying to expand globally, but they are also trying to break into new markets. The big news at Tuesday's press conference was Aspen's announcement that they will be offering a product line for the rotary wing market. The EFD1000 Pro Helicopter PFD the first in the line, and is currently available for installation, offering the same state-of-the-art technologies as found in their fixed-wing products. The company says they are excited to break into this new market, and, according to CEO John Uczekaj, "look forward to extending our rotary wing solutions and customer base in the years to come."

FMI: www.Aspenavionics.com