Focusing Both Domestic And International Markets

By Jennifer Staretorp

"Avidyne strives to provide avionics systems that make flying safer and simpler for all general aviation pilots," said Dan Schwinn, President and CEO of Avidyne, in a press release Tuesday. This sentiment was mirrored throughout a Tuesday morning press conference at AirVenture 2009, where he announced the release of several new products, product upgrades, and ventures. Not only is Avidyne striving to make flying simpler and safer through their products, they are also trying to make it affordable.

The company announced the release of a new lower-cost FMS400 flight management system as well as an Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (IFD) for Cirrus aircraft. In a statement released to the media, Patrick Herguth, CEO of Avidyne, said that "The FMS400 configuration allows Cirrus owners that do not require full WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) precision approach capability to enjoy the advanced, yet easy-to-use Entegra Release 9 and FMS functionality." To continue the low cost model, the Entegra Release 9 Series offers products at three price levels, Gold, Silver, and Platinum. The levels are designed to suit the needs of the pilot based on their increasing levels of capability and redundancy. Each package has the capability of being upgraded to a higher level as necessary.

Avidyne is also focusing on their international clientele by teaming up with Jeppesen to offer the Jeppesen European VFR Charts package. The package is available for Avidyne's EX500 and EX500 Multifunction display (MFD) (shown above) as an optional subscription. "We are pleased to now be able to offer our European customers this valuable region-specific chart package that makes flying in Europe easier and safer" said Dan Schwinn in a statement. announcing the new charts.

FMI: www.avidyne.com