System Compatible To Varying Degrees With Entegra, Garmin
Avionics
Avionics maker Avidyne announced Thursday it has received
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal
Aviation Administration for the installation of the TWX670 Tactical
Lightning Detection System in the Cessna (nee Columbia) 350.
Avidyne has also submitted paperwork to the FAA and is expecting
STC approval of the TWX670 for the Cessna 400 (Columbia 400) in the
coming weeks.
"In owning several aircraft over the years, I have gained a real
appreciation for the benefits of real-time lightning detection,"
said Chuck Yanke, Columbia 400 owner, and former president of the
Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club (formerly the Columbia/Lancair Owners
and Pilots Association). "I have found that cloud to cloud
lightning typically appears in the early stages of storm formation,
while cloud to ground lighting appears once a storm has more fully
developed. Having the TWX670 on board is really like having an
early warning weather system, and it provides a perfect complement
to my satellite broadcast datalink."
Entegra-equipped aircraft can display the TWX670's color
lightning on the EX5000 MFD and have full support for all modes
including display of close-range strikes, TWxCell and Color Strike
mode. This requires that the MFD be upgraded to software Release 8.
Release 8 is available for Release 7-equipped MFDs for $495.
Release 8 is available for MFDs that are Release 6 or older for
$1,095. Avidyne is currently running a Q1 2009 promotion that
provides Release 8 upgrade free of charge with the purchase of the
TWX670.
For non-Entegra aircraft, the TWX670 is fully compatible with
Avidyne's MHD300 3-ATI Multi-Hazard Display, which also supports
all color modes. In addition, the TWX670's 'Compatibility Mode'
provides monochrome strike display capability on third-party
displays such as the Garmin GNS430 and G1000.
"Up until now, Cessna 350 and 400 owners have had no viable
option for an on-board, real-time weather solution," said Rob
Higby, Avidyne's vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service.
"With this STC, these aircraft owners can now install a TWX670 and
get the tactical and strategic benefits of a lightning detection
system, increasing the safety, utility, and overall value of their
aircraft."
The TWX670 is available now and has a list price of $7,995.
Through its dealer network, Avidyne is currently taking orders and
accepting deposits for TWX670 systems to be installed in C350 and
C400 aircraft.
In addition, Avidyne currently offers a $1,000 discount on the
TWX670 to all of its existing Avidyne Entegra/EX500/EX5000
owners.