ATLAS, FROM AVIDYNE
Other legacy jet platforms are also being rejuvenated through avionic offerings from Avidyne. During NBAA- BACE, Avidyne shared that Learjet 55C owners and op- erators could now add Avidyne’s dual Atlas flight manage- ment system retrofit upgrade. The upgrade provides them with fully-coupled GPS approach capabilities, including LPV, LP, LNAV/VNAV, and LNAV-only, while not need- ing to make expensive EFIS86-L system replacements. So, not only does it extend the useful life of these time-tesed jets, but for operators, their world just got bigger. “A lot of these airplanes are perfectly good airplanes,” Tom Harper, Avidyne’s marketing director, tells FLYING. “With LPV, you’re opening up so many more runways, since that’ll allow you to get into airports that don’t have an ILS. Or, in some cases, they only have an ILS on one runway, and the winds aren’t favorable. So, the upgrade just gives you more options to complete the mission.”
In terms of use, each Atlas flight management system boasts a QWERTY-style keyboard with touchscreen ca- pabilities so pilots can flight plan and view maps to their liking. They are also equipped with integrated wireless connectivity that links them to iPads to complement third-party flight planning apps. Regarding the layout, Harper said the Learjet up- grade requires reconfiguring the center pedestal to make a more pilot-friendly interface by bringing EFIS mode select controls and FMS units forward. Harper added that the upgrade to the Lear 55C is just an indication of things to come. Avidyne will look to breathe new life into other “old birds,” including others in the Learjet family, Dassault Falcons, Cessna Citations, Beechcraft King Airs, the IAI Westwind, and the Piaggio P.180 Avanti. • From a previous issue of FLYING Magazine
The first of the Atlas series marked Avidyne’s entry into the transport category business jet market.
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