OKY Upgrade
The May newsletter reported that there would be a push to repair the ailing autopilot during the 100 hourly service which was successful. There have been some problems reported with the Aspen however we are hopeful the aircraft will remain serviceable until the time when it goes in for the dashboard upgrade.
The project manager for the OKY upgrade, Rolf Blomstedt, led the specification and tender evaluation process for the upgrade. The contract to do the upgrade has been awarded to Avionics 2000 located at Essendon. Rolf will continue to be the key contact with the contractor throughout the upgrade.
All of the new electronics has now been received into store and has been paid for thanks to the share call. The current plan is for OKY to come off line on the 11th of November. The contractor has previously advised that the upgrade will take around six weeks. The date and the length of the work may need to change as detailed planning may reveal other constraints.
Members will find the new avionics has many similarities to the units being replaced so it will be easy to learn. But, of course, it is important to be very familiar with the instruments as it would not be safe to be learning while flying.
GTN 650
The Garmin GTN650 is a modern navigation avionics system combining GPS/NAV/COM functions in a single touchscreen unit, bringing improved mapping, terrain awareness and flight-planning capability to the panel.
Garmin GTR 205 radio
The GTR 205 is a straightforward communications radio with modern controls and features designed to make day-to-day operation simple.
GFC 500
The upgrade will include the GFC 500 autopilot. It provides digital flight-control capability including heading, navigation and approach modes, altitude functions and Garmin’s level-mode safety feature.
OKY Upgrade - Specification
The following is the amended specification for the upgrade of OKY.
New (Garmin) Equipment:
- GI275 ADAHRS w/GMU11
- GFC 500 Autopilot, 3 servos Pitch/Roll/Pitch Trim inclusive of GMC 507, Yoke trim switch and Smart Glide button on the panel
- GTN650XI Black GPS/NAV/COM incl of data card/databases
- GNX375 Transponder/GPS
- GTR205 COM
- GSB15 USB charger
- TCW Standby Power 24V 3Ah, for COM and GPS back up
Keep & reuse from existing panel:
- GMA340 Audio Panel
- GI275
- Clock with USB
- Airspeed Indicator
- Altimeter
- Air time switch/counter (Hobbs)
- All engine related instruments
Remove and trade in from existing panel:
- Aspen Evolution EFD1000 PFD
- 2 x Garmin 430W
- S-TEC 50 Autopilot
- T&B Gyro/indicator
- CD Player
Comments:
- Use existing panel and add cover plates where instruments are removed
- Install the two GI275 in Aspen location (will require a cover plate)
- ADSB IN to be displayed on GTN650XI, GNX375 & GI275 and audio warning for traffic.