Page 44 - June 2015 Volume 19 Number 6

UPDATES
GRulf Coast Avionics Receives Approval of Extensive Garmin Touchscreen Avionics Upgrade for Citation 501
ick Garcia, President Smith explained that the Citation 501 panel upgrade included:
and CEO of Gulf
Coast Avionics Corporation, announced on March 5, 2015 that the company recently received an FAA field approval for an extensive
digital panel upgrade on a legacy Cessna Citation 501 business jet.
“The customer wanted to upgrade the capabilities of his Citation 501 and the only way to do it cost-effectively was to work with the Orlando FSDO to earn the field approval,” Garcia stated. “I really have to complement our Chief Inspector, Sarah Smith, and the entire engineering and installation group. This was not an easy task, but the result is a beautiful and very capable Citation.”
Ms. Smith stated, “As you can imagine, there was a lot of paperwork and documentation that went along with the physical installation process. As far as we know, this was the first field approval for this package in the 501. We are very grateful to the Orlando FSDO representatives for all of their cooperation and guidance as we worked through the process.”
• Dual Garmin GTN 750 Touchscreen GPS/NAV/COMM/MFDs • Dual Garmin GTX 33 transponders
• Garmin GMA 35 remote audio processor
• Garmin GDL 69 XM WX satellite receiver
• Garmin GPSS roll steering integration with the GTN 750 and legacy autopilot
• Garmin TAWS-B interface
• Bendix/King RDR-2000 weather radar interface • Jeppesen electronic charts capability
“Our engineering team also designed new metal instrument panels that were laid out to the owner’s specifications,” Smith said. “Interfacing the new avionics with the legacy radar, TCAS and autopilot was pretty straight-forward for our team.”
“The customer was absolutely thrilled when he saw it for the first time,” Garcia said. “While the finished panel is fantastic, it was the result of a lot of really hard work and dedication by our professional team. I can tell you that at every level this is not a project that many shops would want to take on.”
For more information, visit: www.GCA.aero I Kestrel and Eclipse Become ONE Aviation
In an announcement released April 15, the executives of Kestrel Aircraft and Eclipse Jet announced the companies are merging to form ONE Aviation.
“We are excited to announce the formation of ONE Aviation. I feel privileged to lead this experienced team of aviation professionals as we increase production of the Eclipse Jet, further the development of the Kestrel turboprop, and build a suite of general aviation products second to none in the industry,” stated Alan Klapmeier, CEO of ONE Aviation.
ONE Aviation will focus on providing high- performance aircraft owners an uncompromising aviation experience – from producing innovative aircraft to delivering industry-leading training and customer support services. ONE Aviation will immediately gain operational and marketing efficiencies by consolidating and leveraging the Eclipse and Kestrel business operations, supply chains, and marketing and sales teams, all under a single and seasoned management team.
Klapmeier further stated, “I am particularly excited about the Eclipse 550. As our pilot experience and aircraft needs grow, we look to move up – to fly higher, faster and safer. For many pilots and aircraft owners, the Eclipse Jet, with its incredible efficiency and safety record, provides that next step.”
Mason Holland, Chairman of ONE Aviation, said, “Combining the synergies of Eclipse and Kestrel under the leadership of Alan Klapmeier is a perfect fit. I believe that our current, as well as our future, customers will appreciate Alan’s vision and his prior experience in leading the design, development and production of one of the world’s most successful aircraft programs. Alan knows our customers, he is a champion for them, and he is recognized throughout the aviation industry as an innovator and transformational leader.”
The Eclipse Jet is currently in production and is the world’s only twin-engine light jet priced below $3 million. The Kestrel K350, currently under development, will redefine the industry’s single-engine turboprop market.
Information: oneaviation.aero I
42 • TWIN & TURBINE
JUNE 2015