Avionics News January 2021 - 36

AVIDYNE

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interested pilots to really learn about our systems, which is
a great benefit right now. You can't go to a trade show and
see anything. And even if you can, it's just in a demo box.
These guys do a great job of providing that kind of in-depth
exposure to all of our IFD features and functions. They've
filled the gap in a way that's super helpful for pilots. "
Avidyne's increasing international presence
While Schwinn is justifiably proud that Avidyne's
business in North America is extremely good, he's just as
bullish on how the company is addressing opportunities
outside the region.
" We've been working very hard outside of North
America, on building our dealer and support networks;
those efforts are gaining steam in a hurry, " he said. " Even
with COVID, we're having some of the best months we've
ever had in Europe and Latin America. We're expecting
them to get even better as they renormalize, and we feel that
we're in very strong shape to see a ton of growth in these
areas going forward. "
There are many examples of the company's continued
commitment to these international markets. One is the
recent announcement that Europe's popular SkyDemon
flight planning software is now compatible with the IFDseries of FMS/GPS/nav/comms.
" Integrated wireless connectivity provides a powerful
conduit for adding functionality and expanded capabilities
and utility for our European IFD owner/operators, "
Schwinn said. " We have a large installed base of IFD
owners across Europe, and we are very happy to now have
SkyDemon available as a wireless solution. "
Another key product announcement concerns the first
retrofit installation of an Avidyne package, including
an IFD550, IFD540, dual AXP322 Mode S ADS-B Out
transponders, and an AMX240 audio panel into a Mexicanregistered Pilatus PC-12 turboprop.
" We are really excited to be working with Servicios
Aereo Montre, in Monterrey, Mexico, to put together this
avionics upgrade for the PC-12, " Schwinn explained. " The
PC-12 is a highly capable airplane, and this dual-IFD FMS
configuration, along with its integrated approach charts,
airport diagrams, and wireless iPad interface capabilities,
give the pilots added capability and safety.
" In addition, Latin America has the whole ADS-B
mandate to deal with. We did very, very well with it in
North America, and now we're bringing the same support
to our dealers in South and Latin America. We will also be
introducing a new ADS-B Out focused solution for these
particular markets very soon. "
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2021

Avidyne: The next generation
With new products for lighter GA, Part 25 business jets,
midsize helicopters, and starring roles on popular YouTube
channels, you might ask, what can Avidyne to do to top itself?
Turns out plenty.
Armed with a brand-new 12,000-square-foot aircraft
integration and flight test center at its Melbourne, Florida,
headquarters, the company has a plethora of new products in
the works. And while many of them are for new markets like
Part 25 business jets and larger helicopters, don't think it's
lessening the commitment to Part 23 general aviation aircraft.
" Absolutely, positively, for sure, we are not weakening
our commitment to these customers and their aircraft in any
way, " Schwinn stated. " I own and fly light GA aircraft, and,
if anything, we are going to continue to grow our product
offerings in this important market. That being said, we are
looking forward. Many believe that the push to urban mobility
will evolve into the next generation of light GA aircraft.
" We're not announcing anything now, but we are actively
involved in this area at various levels. We're active, and we'll
see how it evolves into better solutions for our customers. "
One example of Avidyne's ongoing commitment to
expanding the GA market is its new Interactive Installation
Manual, which will be ready for prime time in early 2021.
According to TJ Sutton, Avidyne's training manager, the
Interactive Installation Manual is the first of its kind for the
GA/BGA markets. The innovative solution will deliver all the
information found in the traditional installation manual, and it
also will have hot-links to short, instructional videos. With the
click of a mouse, technicians will be able to watch the process
and procedures required to install, integrate or configure
Avidyne products with an array of third-party avionics.
" It's a one-stop solution for technicians who have
questions about an installation when and where they need
it, " Sutton said. " They find the appropriate knowledge base
on our website and then scroll down to the exact information
they need. The short video walks you through the process.
The technician can then go about completing the task. "
The Interactive Installation Manual is just another example
of how Avidyne's commitment continually evolves and
improves what it brings to the market. And that evolution
all starts with listening to what its customers, dealers, and
the market wants and needs in the way of new-generation
avionics, services and support.
" We did a survey a while back asking us what they wanted
us to add to the IFD, " Schwinn said. " You can bet that a
good bit of what they told us will be included in this next
IFD update release. I don't think any other manufacturer is
listening and responding as we do. "
Put it all together, and that's how No. 2 can grow to be No. 1. q
To learn more about Avidyne, visit avidyne.com.
http://avidyne.com
Avionics News January 2021

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