Aspen Avionics Achieves Certification for Class III Primary Flight Display

July 7, 2010
FAA granted TSO Authorization for the Evolution EFD1000C3 Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) for Class III aircraft.

Albuquerque, NM, July 7, 2010: Aspen Avionics announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization for the Evolution EFD1000C3 Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) for Class III aircraft. The already robust Evolution Software now meets the Level B assurance levels required for FAR Part 23 Class III aircraft, making the increased safety, reliability and functionality of the Evolution Displays available to operators of piston and turbine aircraft weighing between 6,000 and 12,500 pounds. Aircraft owners can install the newly certified EFD1000C3 Pro PFD independently, or in combination with the popular Evolution Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) to fit their particular flight mission needs and budgets.

“Many of the Class III aircraft are used in revenue-generating activities such as air freight, corporate travel and air charter. They require feature-rich, reliable and cost-effective avionics packages that can be installed with minimal downtime. The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is designed to meet these specific requirements,” said Aspen’s President and CEO, John Uczekaj. He continues, “Additionally, a key benefit that the Aspen system offers is freedom from the recurring costs of overhauling aging mechanical gyros, reducing overall operating expenses. Obviously, Class III aircraft owners and fleet operators will find this aspect of our display products very appealing.”

Initial additions to Aspen’s Approved Model List (AML) include many popular Class III airframes such as the Piper Navajo and Cheyenne series, most King Air models, the Cessna 400 series, and turbine Twin Commanders. More than 200 Class III models are currently approved and Aspen is continually working with the FAA to add more models to the list. Aspen’s AML now includes over 900 Class I, Class II and Class III fixed-wing aircraft.

Built upon a robust, solid-state technology platform, the EFD1000C3 Pro PFD has features such as integrated GPS Steering, digital HSI with dual bearing pointers and moving map. Aspen is also offering Evolution packages that bundle MFDs with the PFD. The EFD1000 MFD and 500 MFD both support hazard awareness features like weather, traffic and Stormscope, as well as Charts and Geo-referenced Airport Diagrams. The 1000 MFD also includes fully redundant ADAHRS sensors. In the event of PFD failure, a simple push of the REV button converts the 1000 MFD to a fully functioning PFD.

The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit. The EFD1000C3 Pro PFD has a list price of $12,995. Special launch pricing of $10,995 will be in effect until October 31, 2010. Visit the Aspen website to view a full list of Authorized Dealers, the current AML as well as additional product information.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc. Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability from the commercial and business aviation markets into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it even easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own. Our web address is www.aspenavionics.com or we can be reached at (505) 856-5034.