Kitchener, Ontario, CANADA – Kitchener Aero Avionics (KAAV) - one of Canada’s premiere avionics and special missions modifiers - is pleased to announce another Canadian “first” with the completion of a new upgrade package for the Cessna C208 “Caravan”.
The heart of this upgrade is an Aspen EFD-1000C3 PFD and Class B TAWS. “For hardworking Caravans – especially those in commercial operations – this mod can really make a difference” says KAAV President Barry Aylward.
The Aspen PFD replaces the problematic and expensive gyros in the King KFC-150/225 Flight Control Systems that were originally installed in the C-208 fleet. The TAWS upgrade to the GNS-530W is fully compliant with the “Enhanced Altitude Accuracy” provisions of Transport Canada’s TAWS mandate. Class B TAWS is an option on the GNS-530/530W, as well as the new Garmin GTN-650 & 750 Touchscreen WAAS Navigators.
This C208 upgrade package from KAAV includes the Aspen PFD and required Adaptors which enable removal of the KCS-55A HIS, the KI-256 Flight Director Gyro, the VSI, & Turn Coordinator. Standby Attitude, Airspeed, and Attitude Indicators are required. The Aspen system is fully integrated to the KFC-150 or KFC-225 Autopilot/FD System. Synthetic Vision is optional.
Aylward reports that the customer in this case is “delighted”. They have confirmed that Autopilot performance is definitely improved. Replacing the KI-256 Flight Director Gyro is highly desirable as these units can have a history of being not only problematic, but also expensive to overhaul and recalibrate. Barry states that “The KI-256 gyros are typically the biggest uncontrolled cost for our commercial C-208 operators. This is an upgrade that will pay for itself over time, and will dramatically improve the overall safety and functionality of the cockpit, as well as dispatch reliability.”
For additional information about KAAV or this C-208 upgrade package, visit them on the web at www.kitcheneraero.com. Or feel welcome to call Barry Aylward at 1-800-928-4669 (Canada).
