ELLIOTT AVIATION expanded its sales team by hiring industry veterans Bill Forbes as avionics sales manager and Mike Mettscher as parts sales specialist. 

GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION recently completed the 100th installation of its Gogo AVANCE L5 system, achieving the milestone in six months. Constant Aviation completed the installation on an Embraer Legacy 500. More than 275 AVANCE L5 systems have been shipped with hundreds of additional systems on back order and scheduled for delivery in 2018.

PS ENGINEERING introduced the PMA450B audio panel. According to the company, the key to the PMA450B’s capability is a second Bluetooth module, which can serve as either an

additional music input, or stream audio to a device such as a Bluetooth-enabled video camera,

capturing the sights and sounds of the flying experience.

DAC INTERNATIONAL INC., a subsidiary of Aero Precision Holdings LP, received supplemental type certificate for the LCR-100 AHRS for the Citation 560 EXCEL/XLS aircraft.

UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. released the External Configuration Editor for the InSight Display System. The new web-based configuration tool makes the pre-design and system configuration process simple and intuitive, according to the company. Universal Avionics also announced that Elbit Systems Ltd. is in the process of completing the acquisition of Universal Avionics through an asset acquisition agreement. The parties have received the applicable government approvals and closing is anticipated to occur in the coming weeks. Under the ownership of Elbit Systems, Universal Avionics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary. Universal Avionics announced FAA and EASA sign-off for Chicago Jet Group's amendment of its AML STC to include the ATN B1 Module for the UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit. Transport Canada and ANAC approvals are imminent. Universal Avionics FMS was selected for the U.S. Army's Black Hawk FANS program.

GENESYS AEROSYSTEMS celebrated the 1,000th delivery of its HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System and Two-Axis Autopilot to an EMS operator of an Airbus EC130T2. Genesys Aerosystems also earned FAA STC approval of the S-TEC 3100 on: Cessna 210K through R models; Beechcraft Bonanza A35/36 series models; and Cessna 182 series.

BECKER AVIONICS received certification for the BXT6500 family Mode S Transponder, which is designed specifically for single antenna applications across all fixed- and rotary-wing applications.

GARMIN received FAA STC approval for the GFC 500 autopilot in several more aircraft models. The latest approvals for the GFC 500 autopilot include the Beechcraft Bonanza S35, V35, V35A and V35B; and Piper PA-28-150/151/160/161/180/181. Garmin also announced another addition to its portfolio of G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrades to now include the Embraer Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 equipped with the Prodigy Flight Deck.

JETTECH is offering a modification to the glare shield on Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and 560 series aircraft to accommodate a relocation of the annunciator panel to free up center panel space for additional avionics. JETTECH also announced that FlightSafety International has targeted April to complete the installation of JETTECH's Garmin touchscreen GTN 650/750 GPS/NAV/COM modification update to its Citation 550 full motion simulator. JETTECH also is offering an engineered solution for replacement of the Command Display 125 on the Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and 560 series aircraft that allows vertical speed and indicated airspeed adjustments while the autopilot is engaged. JETTECH also will soon release its STC for a Garmin G700 TXi touchscreen display modification and upgrade for the Citation 500, 550, S550 and 560 aircraft fleet.

METRO AVIATION, under contract with Airbus Helicopters, recently completed a new H145 for Boston MedFlight, a critical care transport service in New England. This is the third aircraft Metro has completed for Boston MedFlight at its completion center in Shreveport, Louisiana.

AVMAX leased one Dash 8-Q202 msn 454 to Avioandes S.A. of Ecuador. The aircraft was formerly operated by LC Peru.

ASPEN AVIONICS is reducing the price of its primary flight displays through April 30, 2018. The Evolution Pro 1000 PFD price is reduced from $10,995 to $8,995. The Evolution 1000 Pro Plus PFD is the company’s flagship product, which comes with Evolution Angle of Attack and Synthetic Vision software and is reduced from $13,995 to $10,495. Aspen introduced the Evolution E5 Dual Electronic Flight Instrument. The STD’d, non-TSO Evolution E5 consolidates attitude indicator plus DG/CDI into a single display with a rechargeable backup battery. It also includes GPSS, air data computer, and attitude heading reference system. Aspen also is now a Part 23 reseller of the Lynx NGT-9000.

APPAREO announced a five-year warranty on the company’s Stratus ADS-B Out transponders during the AEA Convention in Las Vegas.

SMARTSKY NETWORKS was awarded FAA parts manufacturer approval for SmartSky Networks’ radio and antenna manufacturing partners, enabling full-rate production of the SmartSky 4G LTE aircraft system and catalyzing STC projects on numerous business aircraft. Avidyne secured a PMA for the production of the airborne radio, while AeroAntenna received PMA for the manufacture of SmartSky’s aircraft antennas.

JEPPESEN introduced a new mobile version of its Jeppesen Distribution Manager flight data update technology, and announced a new strategic alliance with Bad Elf, a provider of aviation hardware and software solutions. Together, Jeppesen and Bad Elf have now established a wireless data transfer system for aircraft owners and operators, using JDM Mobile and the Bad Elf Wombat portable device to update avionics data cards.

HONEYWELL is expanding its GoDirect connected services to the ground. A new agreement with global telematics company Pinnacle will enable the two companies to connect an airport’s ramp service into one single, managed solution that provides airlines and ground handlers with real-time insights into vehicle activity anywhere at the airport. Honeywell also announced that it is providing business jet, airline and helicopter operators with better connectivity choices thanks to the introduction of the Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 satellite communications systems. Honeywell also announced the availability of its newest satellite communications system, the Aspire 400, which provides aircraft flight crews and passengers with access to worldwide voice and data connectivity and provides pilots with critical cockpit safety services.

DUNCAN AVIATION announced two promotions at its Battle Creek, Michigan, facility: Alan Monk has accepted the position of airframe sales manager, and George Bajo has accepted the position of modifications sales manager. Duncan Aviation also was named a Gogo Business Aviation Top Dealer for 2017, and received the highest Gogo dealer honor, the Gogo Business Aviation 51,000 Five. Duncan Aviation also expanded its initiatives to support UAS by signing an agreement with Robotic Skies to focus on the need of larger unmanned airframes for maintenance and repair. Duncan Aviation's satellite avionics shop in Atlanta, Georgia, has moved into a new facility at the Hill Aircraft FBO.

ESTERLINE Control & Communication Systems announced that Denise Millard was selected as the business group’s vice president for sales and marketing.

FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL announced the entry into service of a new Boeing 777-300ER full flight simulator the company built for use by the Japan Air Self Defense Force to train crews for operation of their new VIP transport aircraft.

AVIATION SPECIALTIES UNLIMITED and Harris Corp. entered into a distributor agreement, making ASU an authorized reseller for Harris’ TSO Night Vision Goggles. 

HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY and ANA Holdings Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership supporting the expansion of the business jet market around the globe by using Honda Aircraft’s HondaJet.

JETSUPPORT B.V. extended the part 145-approved maintenance organization approval with the Beech King Air 200 series.

SOUTHEAST AEROSPACE announced Luke Gomoll as its new aircraft modifications sales representative.

FIELD AVIATION is providing a solution to add ADS-B Out capability and upgrade the FMS on the entire fleet of 41 Dash 8 aircraft at Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS (Widerøe) of Norway, to comply with the upcoming ADS-B Out mandate and provide further fleet standardization. The FMS upgrade will consist of the latest Universal Avionics FMS hardware and 1002 software.

ACSS delivered the 5,000th production unit in its NXT-600/-700/-800 Mode S Transponder family. The NXT Mode S Transponders provide commercial and military aircraft and helicopters with the capabilities to operate in ADS-B airspace.

ACR ELECTRONICS expanded the ARTEX range of safety products for the aviation market with the introduction of the ARTEX Personal Locator Beacon. Its small size and weight fits into a pocket or life vest without impeding activity and taking up minimal space, ensuring it is accessible in an emergency. ARTEX also introduced the world’s only 406 MHz approved transport-grade alkaline battery-powered emergency locator transmitter. 

CUTTER AVIATION was appointed as the Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center for the Southwest United States. It also named James Fisher to the regional engine sales management position, and Iggy Burkhardt to the HondaJet regional sales management position for New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

D.L.S. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS added a new chamber dedicated to support MIL-STD and RTCA DO-160 EMI testing. With this new chamber, the 16th at the D.L.S. facilities in Wheeling, Illinois, the company is able to support current demand for MIL-STD 461 and RTCA DO-160.

SMARTSKY NETWORKS announced the new SmartSky LiTE system that delivers the power of 4G LTE connectivity to the market for the first time.

TRUE BLUE POWER introduced a 2,000-watt, AC-to-DC voltage converter at the AEA Convention. The TC2000 is ideal for aircraft with AC electrical systems that require 28-volt DC power. This includes executive aircraft, airline and passenger configurations. The company also is offering a limited lifetime warranty on all new True Blue Power TA102 Series and TA202 Series USB Charging Ports.

MID-CONTINENT INSTRUMENTS AND AVIONICS introduced the MD32 Magnetometer designed specifically for the company’s MD302 Standby Attitude Module. The MD32 Magnetometer delivers independent heading reference without orientation limitations or the need for special installation hardware.

LATITUDE TECHNOLOGIES unveiled the ENode, a new engine data acquisition unit built to enable engine condition trend monitoring, flight data monitoring, and fuel management programs for aircraft.

PRO STAR AVIATION welcomed two new hires to its maintenance team: Zac Cote and Tyler Mullens.

FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS will provide its certified RANGR ADS-B receivers to Avidyne customers. Avidyne will bundle an IFD system and a ADS-B Out capable Mode S transponder with FreeFlight Systems RANGRRX ADS-B receiver to offer a complete ADS-B solution. The company also launched the Avail Performance Package that provides a complete ADS-B solution for King Air and twin turboprop aircraft.

TRIG AVIONICS introduced its new ADS-B Express Lane Service geared to a rapid installation to save time and money.

CONSTANT AVIATION entered into an agreement naming Constant Aviation as the launch dealer for the debut of Innov8’s CABINFLEX COMMAND and CAST cabin control and entertainment product solutions.

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT announced an enhancement of its air data computers. The THOMMEN AC32 Air Data Computer is now available with additional capabilities, supporting supersonic flight operations and providing Angle of Attack computation to prevent critical flight attitudes at low speed.

GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. is extending its Student Leadership Program to Dallas-Fort Worth, home of the company’s mid-cabin completions facility and a service center. Gulfstream also delivered the 300th aircraft in the Gulfstream G650 family.

CLAY LACY AVIATION installed a state-of-the-art Gogo AVANCE L5 4G technology platform in a Gulfstream G450.

ALTO AVIATION introduced the ALTO Cadence In-Line Relay Controller at the AEA Convention in Las Vegas. The switch panel plugs directly into the controller or may be used as a discrete, stand-alone controller. Local relays preserve existing aircraft wiring.

BOGGS AVIONICS was acquired by Seahawk Aviation.

GUARDIAN AVIONICS announced the addition of new flush panel-mount models for the Apple iPhone X and Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch models to the smartPanel Mount line of mounting solutions to install an iPad or iPhone within the instrument panel on any FAA-certified Part 23 or experimental aircraft.

STANDARDAERO signed a 20-year memorandum of agreement with Rolls-Royce to provide MRO services for the AE 2100, AE 1107 and T56 Series IV engine models through 2038. StandardAero Component Services will unify its Jet Aviation Specialists and PAS Technologies brands underneath a single StandardAero Components Services brand name, effective immediately. StandardAero also expanded its line replaceable unit and engine health monitoring service offerings for the Bombardier CRJ, Embraer E-Jet and other regional aircraft platforms.

ROCKWELL COLLINS announced that Oman Air’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is the first to feature Rockwell Collins’ new Air Rest luxury business class seating solution for narrowbody aircraft.