Certification For Mirage, Meridian Expected Next Year

The first Piper PA-46 Matrix equipped with Avidyne's Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck has been delivered by the avionics company. Avidyne said in a news release Monday that this was the first PA-46 aircraft to get the R9 upgrade, which includes dual IFD5000 integrated flight displays and dual FMS900w WAAS-capable flight management systems (FMS). 

"The Matrix is a terrific cabin-class aircraft and the Entegra Release 9 suite adds significant capability," said customer Mark Mathys of Ohio.  "Having already flown for over 20 hours with the system, R9 has given me more confidence knowing that I am flying the safest, most modern glass cockpit on the market."

"We are pleased to have completed the first Matrix with Entegra Release 9 for Mr. Mathys, adding to the growing fleet of satisfied R9 customers," said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne's Chief Operating Officer. "Combining our innovative dual-databus system architecture, highly-capable dual WAAS FMS systems, and an intuitive user interface, our customers are finding that Release 9 reduces pilot workload and allows them to fly more confidently in the IFR system."

The Entegra Release 9 retrofit for Piper PA-46 Matrix aircraft includes two XGA high-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with FMS keyboard, next-generation fully-digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. 

The Matrix upgrade carries a list price of $72,800, plus installation. Certification of the system for the Mirage and the Meridian is expected in 2011.

FMI: www.avidyne.com