Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

BendixKing announced a new integrated cockpit retrofit for turboprops and light jets, as well as a new series of ADS-B avionics and FAA certification of its KSN 770 navigator, today on the opening day of EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis.


The new AeroVue cockpit features three 12-inch displays–two primary flight displays (PFDs) flanking one multifunction display (MFD)–with a single cursor control device (CCD) and an integrated autopilot. AeroVue leverages technology from BendixKing parent Honeywell and is basically a three-screen version of the Apex cockpit that is installed in the Pilatus PC-12. At AirVenture this week, AeroVue is installed in a King Air 200 on display at the BendixKing exhibit near Boeing Plaza. That airplane will be the first to be certified as a retrofit–the STC and first delivery is expected in the first half of 2015.


According to BendixKing president Kevin Gould, the AeroVue retrofit will cost about $100,000 less than competing systems. He said a rough price for the full AeroVue retrofit in a King Air 200 will be about $250,000 to $275,000, depending on how much can be recovered from the avionics that are removed. Buyers that place a $500 deposit by August 31 will receive a $25,000 discount on the retrofit.


The AeroVue system includes not only an integrated autopilot, but also synthetic vision, the CCD, integrated engine instruments displayed on the PFD and BendixKing’s new AeroWave 100 in-flight Internet access system (satcom). A Mid-Continent Instruments Standby Attitude Module is installed for backup instrumentation, and a BendixKing KMA 30 provides audio panel functions. AeroVue also includes an FMS and Honeywell INAV (integrated navigation) with display of charts. Pilots can interact with AeroVue either using the CCD on the center console to manipulate items and menus on the displays or by using buttons and knobs.


BendixKing is focused on the retrofit market for AeroVue, according to Gould. “The loudest demand goes for retrofit,” he said.


Buyers of the AeroWave satcom can buy airtime by the hour instead of according to how much data is consumed. BendixKing announced that airtime is priced at $1,999 for 50 hours of Internet connectivity. System speed is up to 104 kbps. AeroWave 100 costs $19,999, and the first 25-hour system buyers will receive a free 50-hour block of airtime.


The company also introduced new ADS-B avionics–the KGX-series transceivers and receivers. The KGX 150 and 130 transceivers are certified and provide ADS-B IN and OUT services on the 978UAT frequency for use below 18,000 feet in the U.S. The receiver-only versions of the KGX 150/130 are available for ADS-B IN delivery of traffic and weather data to cockpit displays and with an optional Wi-Fi module on mobile devices. The KGX 150 includes a WAAS GPS that meets ADS-B OUT requirements.


The KGX units cost from $1,489 to $4,069, depending on capability, and will be available in August. The Wi-Fi module is $349. BendixKing is offering a credit when trading in an older BendixKing transponder.

BendixKing Intros New Integrated Avionics System

The AeroVue integrated avionics system will first be certified in the Beechcraft King Air 200.

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