Garmin G1000 Heads List Of Upgrades On New GX Series

With a reputation for providing fast, personal travel, Mooney Airplane Company will unveil two new models – Ovation 2 GX and Bravo GX – featuring its top-line Garmin G1000™ panel plus comfort and performance upgrades, at the 2004 AirVenture Oshkosh, July 27 through August 2. The new GX series offers enhanced pilot information, improved situational awareness, increased performance and added comfort.

New Panel Showcases Garmin’s G1000

The twin-screen system features 10-inch glass for the Primary Flight Display and Multi-Function Display, both of which incorporate wide-viewing angle screen technology and 1024 x 768 resolution. A pilot in a Mooney GX can rely on sunlight-readable navigation that is full of features. From a navigational standpoint, it is WAAS-capable, contains IFR oceanic GPS, and has VHF/ILS with VHF spacing at 8.33 kHz. Instrumentation includes a built-in attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), and GTX 33 Mode S transponder with traffic information service (TIS). Terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) will be an additional option available in late 2004/early 2005. The pilot can also access Garmin’s GDL69 satellite data link for graphic and textorial weather data. Infotainment links and digital audio are available in the dual integrated radio system.

“The new Garmin avionics suite afford easy and intuitive transition from the popular G430/530 systems that have become so popular in past years, and it offers a level of ease and integration that should help pilots on all fronts: navigation, weather, terrain, communication, and control and feedback,” said David Copeland, vice president of sales and marketing for Mooney Airplane Company.

To keep track of the TCM 550’s 280 horses or the Lycoming T10-540’s 270 (depending on model), the MFD can show current, trend, or maximum levels while monitoring important parameters inside the cowl, while satellite weather data link (via Weather Works and XM Radio) and lightning-detection interfaces help reveal unknown conditions.

Offered on both the Ovation 2 GX and Bravo GX aircraft, the Garmin G1000™ cockpit is designed for long life. It is easily maintainable, repairable and upgradeable due to its rack design with line-replaceable unit (LRU) convenience.

More Comfort, Convenience…and Performance Pilots will also rely on the STEC 55X autopilot, standard in the GX models, for roll and pitch control. Traditional full-size airspeed, artificial horizon and altimeter are also included on the panel.

“Electronics’ monitoring can be stressful for the pilot,” Copeland said.

“This system helps relieve a lot of that stress. Coupled with our other amenities, there isn’t a more competent piston single in the sky.”

The G1000™ joins other aircraft features, including supple, six-way adjustable leather seats with comfortable lumbar support, standard Precise Flight speedbrakes, TKS Known Ice System, a 115.7 cubic foot oxygen system (standard on the higher-flying Bravo) and an optional 25,000 BTU air conditioning system to help reduce other worries and discomforts, at altitude and on the taxiway.

Additionally, the Ovation 2 GX will feature a new, 3-blade Hartzell propeller, specifically designed for this application. The new prop, with a scimitar blade profile and redesigned tips, provides much-enhanced takeoff and climb performance and a quieter cruise.

The entire GX upgrade adds $20,000 to the base price of either the Ovation 2 or Bravo. While FAA certification and deliveries are expected in September, Mooney officials say preliminary customer acceptance is high.

Mooney Airplane Company is a general aviation manufacturer headquartered in Kerrville, Texas. Mooney currently sells five models of the M20, the highest performing four-place, single-engine, piston-powered aircraft -- the Bravo DX and GX; the Ovation2 DX and GX, and the Ovation. Since its inception in 1954, the company has manufactured and delivered more than 10,000 aircraft worldwide. Today, 7,000 customers in the United States and 1,000 more overseas fly these proven, high-performance airplanes.

FMI: www.mooney.com