NexAir Upgrades PA-32 Series With R9 Avionics, Mucho Mods

Talk about change(s) you can believe in... NexAir Avionics is taking the wraps of a bit of a surprise... the first Avidyne R9-Equipped bird from the Piper flock. Emblazoned with the nom de plume of Saratoga NX, the bird is a completely modernized and upgraded Saratoga and the first to feature the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (IFD).

The Saratoga NX is an ideal aircraft for pilots and aircraft owners seeking maximum value and advanced avionics capabilities in a spinner-to-tail pristine aircraft without the high price, steep depreciation, and increased insurance costs of a new airplane. Fly-away pricing for a superbly equipped Saratoga NX is less than $400,000; an owner of an existing Saratoga can transform it into a Saratoga NX for under $250,000.

The Saratoga NX is the product of the NexAir Aircraft Integration and Re-engineering (AIR) program, a clean-slate approach to revitalizing trusted and highly capable business and personal aircraft.

"Rather than simply installing devices in a panel, we leverage our knowledge as engineers and pilots to integrate the avionics into the aircraft in a way that optimizes performance and ease-of-use. And we reengineer elements where we can add or improve capability, such as the panel layout and even small details like switch types and locations," said David Fetherston, president of NexAir. "Our exclusive AIR program essentially creates a new aircraft that's better equipped and costs far less than a new or late model version. It really is better-than-new.

"With the Saratoga NX and Entegra Release 9, pilots are getting one of the best-equipped business and personal single-engine piston aircraft today, and one of the best values," said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. "We are excited that NexAir has chosen Avidyne as their avionics partner because of their understanding of digital systems, their professionalism and their integrity. The Saratoga NX is a great example of how advanced avionics can be such a game changer as we bring our vision of Flying Made Simple to the entire GA fleet."

Saratoga NX Features -- Avidyne Entegra Release 9

Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, Entegra Release 9 represents the next generation of integrated flight deck systems for light general aviation. It includes dual XGA-resolution IFD5000 displays, an FMS900w system with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully digital VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. In addition, Entegra Release 9 provides a new level of communication between the FMS/NAV system and the Saratoga NX's STEC 55X autopilot to reduce pilot workload. Once coupled to the Entegra system, the autopilot automatically switches to the proper mode during each phase of flight, eliminating confusion and surprises during critical operations.

Release 9's innovative Page & Tab operation is the easiest user interface available. It ensures quick access to data without clumsy hierarchical menus, pop-up windows or hidden modes.  Instead, intuitive Page keys make it easy to display PFD, FMS, Map, System, and Checklist information.

Entegra Release 9 system also was designed with a fully redundant architecture. Since each IFD5000 is fully capable of performing the functions of the other, no unfamiliar or limited reversionary modes are required. In the unlikely event of a display failure, the remaining IFD5000 continues to operate as either display format with no loss of functionality.

Situational Awareness and Safety Systems

The Saratoga NX also comes standard with multiple situational awareness systems. The Avidyne MLB-770 Broadcast Datalink Receiver provides WSI InFlight graphical weather, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio for crew and passenger entertainment. The Avidyne TWX-670 Tactical Weather Detection System provides an intuitive, color-coded display of hazardous weather activity for safe navigation. The Avidyne TAS-600 Traffic Advisory System uses dual antennas and active interrogation for high-performance traffic alert and collision avoidance. Avidyne CMax approach charts provide on-demand access to Jeppesen JeppView electronic approach charts and airport diagrams and show the aircraft's instantaneous position and flight plan on the chart. The Avidyne EMax electronic engine monitoring system provides graphical displays of engine data for managing performance.
 
The Saratoga NX also comes equipped with full-size backup instruments including an airspeed indicator, a turn coordinator, engine instruments and a Mid-Continent Instruments "Life Saver" battery backed up attitude indicator.

Other standard Saratoga NX features include state-of-the-art, ergonomically designed, laser-cut, backlit and intuitively placed rocker switches that improve the look, feel and operation of the panel, and; a backup alternator.

Technology and Style

The interior appointments of the Saratoga NX have the feel and style of a luxury sports car with leather seating, added soundproofing, plush carpeting and improved passenger and crew ergonomics. A center console with a drink cooler also adds to passenger convenience.

The paint scheme on the Saratoga NX gives a sleek and modern look to the airplane, as does a LoPresti cowling that improves engine cooling. LoPresti flap gap seals add knots to cruise speed. LoPresti WingTips with high-intensity pulse lights and an LED beacon light improve aircraft visibility and aid in nighttime taxi, takeoff and landing operations.

Engines and Add­Ons

The Saratoga NX comes standard with a zero-time factory remanufactured engine; Current Saratoga owners may elect to retain their existing strong, low-time engine. Saratoga NX add-ons include AmSafe Inflatable Restraint airbag seatbelts, an in-flight passenger DVD entertainment system and a fold-down worktable. The Avidyne DFC100 autopilot, and the Synthetic Vision (SVS) and Enhanced Vision (EVS) Systems may be installed once available from Avidyne.

Fly­Away Pricing

The standard, very well-equipped Saratoga NX has a fly-away price of $395,000.

NX Transformation Pricing

Owners of an existing Saratoga may have their aircraft transformed into a Saratoga NX. Pricing is $245,000 for 1993-2004 model years and $305,000 for 1980-1992 model years. Trade-ins also are accepted. Reservations for new Saratoga NX aircraft are available immediately with a fully refundable deposit of $10,000. The Saratoga NX Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is expected shortly.

FMI: www.avidyne.com, www.nexairavionics.com