PLEASE NOTE: This FAQ was written over 10 years ago and does not apply as of April 2021. It should be considered as historical reference only.
Some Bendix/King avionics units have the letter U or X in the beginning of the serial number (e.g. X87544). Units with the letter X indicate that the unit is in like new condition and has been cosmetically enhanced. In most cases, faceplates and covers have been replaced by Honeywell so that the unit appears the same as a new unit would. In addition, the letter X indicates that the product is less than 3 years old, has the latest software and hardware mods installed, and was repaired by the factory or the factory repair and overhaul shop. Units with the letter U indicate that the unit in average physical condition and, in most cases, have not had much cosmetic enhancement done at the factory. These units are usually more than 3 years old but do have the latest software and hardware mods installed while being repaired at the factory.
"Exchange" is a term used in aviation and most other parts industries to indicate the exchange of a known defective or unserviceable unit for a known good, serviceable unit. In most cases, in simple terms, exchanges are sought after when quick replacement of a defective unit is needed.
Southeast Aerospace's exchange price is based on a standard exchange. Additional billing will only occur if the cost to repair the core received exceeds the repair cap. The "repair cap" is the maximum allowable cost to repair the customer core. If the cost to repair the core exceeds the repair cap, the customer will be billed an additional fee equaling the difference between the repair cost and the repair cap. If the additional fee exceeds or equals the core charge, the core will be deemed to be beyond economical repair and the core will be billed back to the customer at the original stated core charge amount indicated on the exchange invoice. A billback of the original core charge amount will also occur in the vent that a core is not returned.
A standard exchange is only valid with the return of an economically repairable, normal core of the same model and same part number. A definition of a normal, repairable core is a unit that has experienced a normal equipment failure not related to an incident (i.e. fire, water damage, or act of nature) or improper installation. Units that have been heavily modified or extensively, unproductively worked on are not accepted as exchange cores. In rare cases or situations, exchanges may be conditional based on the serial number or service bulletin threshold of a unit due to certain older units not being supported by the manufacturer.
No, however Southeast Aerospace suggests replacing the KI-214 with a separate VOR/LOC/GS indicator and glideslope receiver such as the KI-209 and KN-75.
The KI-214 is no longer supported by Bendix/King (Honeywell) and most service parts needed to repair the KI-214 are not available. As always, it is the installer's responsibility to verify compatibility of the KN-75 GS receiver with the Nav radios installed in the aircraft.
The KA-51A is the slaving control that was originally part of the KCS-55A compass system. It has since been replaced by the KA-51B, mainly due to durability problems with the faceplate mounting holes. Since introduction of the KA-51B, Bendix/King has ceased production of replacement parts for the KA-51A, thus making it virtually unrepairable.
Please note that the KA-51B is not a direct replacement for the KA-51A, but is an easily performed upgrade that only requires replacement of the connectors.
Yes, Sandel has recently released a service bulletin addressing this issue. The problem has been traced to improper manufacturing tolerances used in the installation of a plastic polarizer in optical system, which does not meet published specifications. Sandel has stated that this problem does not present a flight safety concern and that it is only a cosmetic defect. This service bulletin applies to all serial numbers, shipped prior to August 24, 2009.
A glass polarizer has been designed as a replacement that does not the present the discoloration problem. This part can be retrofitted by the factory into any LED backlit unit.
Identical service bulletins on this problem have also been issued for the SA4550, SN4500 and the SN3500.
KN-65
Until the used market completely dries up, you can still find someone who will sell you a KN-65. The KN-65 may have been a cost effective, reliable unit at one time but unfortunately its time has passed. Most older avionics units have become increasingly challenging to repair as the manufacturers discontinue support and cut off the supply of service parts. Likewise, even if you can find a KN-65 in working condition, it usually has little or no warranty.
KN-63
Instead of continuing to invest your money in obsolete technology and delaying the inevitable, Southeast Aerospace suggests upgrading to the KN-63. Investing in the KN-63 will provide you with a DME that includes warranty and support for many years to come.
Negotiating the exchange price of a unit only limits the allowable repair cap for the core unit. Southeast Aerospace's exchange transactions are based on the return of economically repairable core unit. Once the core is received and evaluated, the core repair cost incurred by SEA cannot exceed 75% of the original exchange price. That is, it cannot cost SEA more than 75% of the original OH/SV exchange price collected from the customer. Therefore, when and if an SEA exchange price is discounted, there is a risk that additional charges may be assessed once the core is returned and evaluated.
Per the FAA, "Surplus" is described as "a product, assembly, part, or material that has been released as surplus by the military, manufacturers, owners/operators, repair facilities, or any other parts supplier. These products should show traceability to an FAA-approved manufacturing procedure."
"New Surplus" is a trade or industry specific term that is not officially recognized by the FAA. Unfortunately, "New Surplus" is a loosely used term by some parts supplier to describe items that may appear to be new and unused but have no documentation or certification to support the claim. Therefore, in most cases where items do not have traceability or proof of condition, such items are be considered "As Is" or "As Removed".
In FAA Advisory Circular AC20-62E, it is further explained that surplus items "although advertised as "remanufactured," "high quality," "like new," "unused," or "looks good," should be carefully evaluated before they are purchased. The storage time, storage conditions, or shelf life of surplus parts and materials are not usually known." "New Surplus" is not an acceptable term to be input into any maintenance release such as the FAA Form 8130-3 according FAA Order 8130.21G.
In most transactions, Southeast Aerospace does not consider "New Surplus" a valid condition term. Southeast Aerospace will not consider any unit as "New" condition without exact traceability, documentation, and history for a unit from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Otherwise, Southeast Aerospace considers any unit lacking appropriate OEM paperwork as "As Removed" and thus will require recertification.
Once any item regardless of condition is tested and certified according to manufacturer's specifications, it is considered "Inspected", "Repaired", or "Overhauled" depending on the work performed during the certification process.
Unfortunately, there is not a current production VOR/LOC indicator that will directly replace the KI-201C. The KI-201C used a unique rectangular Winchester type connector. SEA recommends removing the KI-201C from the aircraft since it is no longer supported by Honeywell and is not repairable in most situations. Therefore, we recommend replacing the KI-201C with the KI-203 or KI-208. Although not direct replacements (i.e. connector change), the KI-203 and KI-208 provide a much more reliable indicator that is field repairable and still supported by Honeywell.
The original gas discharge display (GDD) for the KY-197A has been phased out by Honeywell. A new display with LED technology is available for the KY-197A by way of Service Bulletin 9. The new LED provides a brighter, sharper display with longer life. SB 9 consists of replacing the display and one resistor, removing two resistors, and adding two wires.
Please note that the Service Bulletin mainly applies to KY-197A -30/-60 with S/N 15080 and below; and KY-197A -10/-11/-12/-31/-32 all serial numbers. Units will serial numbers above those stated have Mod 9 incorporated during original manufacturing.
Southeast Aerospace can update your KY-197A to the more reliable LED display. Pricing varies based on time and materials needed. For complete details, please contact Southeast Aerospace Tech Support at mro@seaerospace.com or complete a Repair Request at https://www.seaerospace.com/mro/repair-request
Yes, providing that the unit has been functioning normally, SEA can upgrade and convert the MST-67A transponder as follows:
MST-67A P/N 066-01143-0301 to 066-01143-2101 = $9550 USD
MST-67A P/N 066-01143-0601 to 066-01143-2101 = $9550 USD
MST-67A P/N 066-01143-1301 to 066-01143-2101 = $9550 USD
MST-67A P/N 066-01143-1602 to 066-01143-2101 = $6950 USD
Prices are subject to change should cost of parts needed change from OEM.
For a repair RMA or questions about any transponder service, please contact the SEA Repair Department.
Southeast Aerospace does not believe that "Loaner" transactions offer any cost/time benefit to anybody. "Loaners" add unnecessary, wasteful, steps that are often overlooked.
Southeast Aerospace's Exchange Program offers ready-to-ship, ready-to-install inventory very close to the price of average repair costs offered by other companies who offer Loaner units.
The Southeast Aerospace Exchange Policy is fair, clear, and concise. Contact SEA today for an Exchange Quote.
Due to its unique integrated recever/indicator design, there is not a direct replacement for the KR-86 ADF. Southeast Aerospace recommends upgrading to the KR-87 ADF System. This is more or less a new installation. That is, all KR-86 wiring and cabling will need to be removed. The KR-87 receiver needs to be fitted in the larger KR-86 opening. Panel location for the KI-227 to be determined and the KA-44B replaces the KA-42B antenna on the aircraft.
According to Service Aid ART 2100-103 and ART-2100 maintenance manual, the unit must be altitude tested to 55000 feet after the magnetron is replaced. In addition, the AFC and STC curves need to be recalibrated over the temperature ranges of 25, -55, -30, -5, 45 and 70 degrees C.
Therefore, calibrated altitude and environmental chambers are needed for altitude and temperature testing mentioned above. Southeast Aerospace's Service Department is one of a very few authorized Honeywell service centers that possess and utilize the necessary chamber and facilities for this testing. Please contact our Service Dept for more details.
Yes, the C406-2 & C406-2HM ELTs are a direct replacement for the 110-406 Series. According to the Discontinuance letter released from Cobham, the 110-406 series product line was discontinued on 12/31/01. Artex planned to continue providing battery packs and repairs until 2008. You can view the letter here.
According to Artex (now Cobham) the C406-2/2HM ELTs are a direct replacement in form, fit & function. Additionally, the ME-406 series is suitable for General Aviation and Light Helicopter applications. These ELTs are certified to the requirements of FAA TSO C126 and ETSO-2C126.
View the C406-2, C406-2HM, and ME-406 Series product pages for more detailed information.
Southeast Aerospace primarily provides Parts and Repair support in the following Federal Supply Classes:
BER is defined as Beyond Economical Repair. BER generally refers to when a repair item requires repair costs 75% or above the market value or procurement cost of the item.
BPR is defined as Beyond Physical Repair. BPR generally refers to a repair item that cannot be returned to service due to excessive damage or component obsolescene regardless of cost.
TTI is an abbreviation used by some repair facilities to indicate the Test, Teardown, and Inspection process and/or cost for a component.
Some other related terms may include:
For Icom aviation radios, there are currently (2018) three service centers that can repair the radios. Please see this link for information: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/support/repair/default.aspx
Garmin issued Service Advisory No. 1930 Rev B on August 13, 2020 which stated that repair services and service parts were discontinued for the GPS-155XL, GNC-250XL, and GNC-300XL units.
The aviation parts industry uses abbreviations and terminology to designate and describe the status or condition for a component. They usually apply to finished goods or complete assemblies.
It should be noted that these conditions and descriptions can be misused at times and parts misrepresented for sales and marketing purposes. There are legitimate, documentable methods for properly representing the condition of a part in the aviation industry. Many descriptions follow specific regulatory agency guidelines. Therefore, this article is not intended to address every condition scenario or status for describing a part. However, it will describe the following condition codes - NE, AR, SV, OH - which are more or less universally accepted by legitimate entities in the aviation industry.
According to Garmin Support Memo dated July 21, 2010, effective September 30, 2010, the 28 Volt only versions of the GNS-430/530 series units will no longer be repaired due to parts availability issues.
The 28 Volt only versions of the GNS series units are the very first original productions units from the late 1990s.
L3 no longer provides repair service or parts support for mechanical CVRs and FDRs. This is detailed in L3 Service Information Letter L3AP-007.
Please contact Southeast Aerospace for questions or further details.
The ETM has lost the configuration settings in the internal memory. The ETM processor will need to be returned to our FAA Repair Station for service.
The GTN Xi navigators provide several improvements over the original GTN navigators including a dual processor and updated LCD screen.
The upgraded processor enables the Xi to be faster than the original GTN. The updated screen improves the resolution from 134 DPI to 187 DPI.
Some of the other minor differences include:
Long messaging transmits longtitude and latitude. Short messaging does not.
Dealers are required to install and service most New Products purchased from Garmin. This applies to Factory New Garmin equipment purchased by a dealer from Garmin. Dealers may sell Garmin products over-the-counter (without dealer installation) in SV or OH condition.
As of 2022, the following Garmin products apply to this Installation Policy:
The aviation parts industry uses abbreviations and terminology to designate and describe the status or condition for a component. They usually apply to finished goods or complete assemblies.
It should be noted that these conditions and descriptions can be misused at times and parts misrepresented for sales and marketing purposes. There are legitimate, documentable methods for properly representing the condition of a part in the aviation industry. Many descriptions follow specific regulatory agency guidelines. Therefore, this article is not intended to address every condition scenario or status for describing a part. However, it will describe the following condition codes - NE, AR, SV, OH - which are more or less universally accepted by legitimate entities in the aviation industry.
The North American Industry Classification System or NAICS is a system of classifying business by industry developed in cooperation with Canada and Mexico. It is a standard used by federal agencies for classification purposes. Businesses are classified into a six-digit NAICS code number based on the activity of the business. Businesses can be classified under multiple NAICS codes.
Southeast Aerospace provides products and services under the following NAICS codes:
In order for the GI-275 to be the approved primary attitude indicator for an aircraft on the STC Approved Model List, the ADAHRS version of the GI-275 must be purchased.
The only indication that new ACR/Artex ELTs have the upgraded G-switch as detailed in SB1000 is the "UPGRADED G-SWITCH" box on the identification plate. Please see image for reference.
Garmin has provided Service Advisory 2051 for general recommendations, materials, and supplies to clean and disinfect Garmin products. Otherwise, not following the recommendations could void the warranty.
Both are Garmin kit part numbers for the GTX-335 ADS-B panel mount transponder with internatl WAAS GPS that can be sold over-the-counter without dealer installation.
Both include the transponder w/ WAAS, GA-35 antenna, STC product registration, installation kit, and pilot's guide.
PN K10-00276-04 additionally includes the GAE-12 altitude encoder and high-speed multi-charger.
ADS-B Out takes affect in Europe on June 7, 2020. The mandate only applies to aircraft with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) more than 5700 kg (12566 pounds) or with a maximum cruising speed more than 250 knots.
AHARS or AHRS is an abbreviation for Attitude and Heading Reference System. An AHARS/AHRS unit normally consists of solid-sate sensors that provide attitude, heading, roll, pitch, and yaw for an aircraft. AHARS/AHRS was designed to replace legacy mechanical gyroscopic flight instruments due to higher reliability. AHARS/AHRS may be combined with an air data computer to produce ADAHRS to provide other data such as airspeed, altitude and OAT (outside air temperature).
No. While the GTX-325 is a Mode C transponder replacement for the Mode C GTX-327, they have different connectors. The GTX-325 uses a 62 pin high-density connector while the GTX-327 has a standard 25 pin D-sub type connector.
Yes, the KI-300 attitude indicator by itself is available for over-the-counter sale. However, if the KI-300 with KA-310 autopilot adapter option is desired, Southeast Aerospace recommends that you contact your local BendixKing dealer for purchase and installation.
The -501/-502/-551/-552 versions of the TDR-94/94D comply with DO-260B (V2) standard for ADS-B Out. The -501/-502 is applicable to fixed wing aircraft while the -551/-552 is applicable to rotary wing aircraft. Service bulletin upgrades and exchanges are available to bring select TDR-94/94D transponders to DO-260B statuses.
According to Collins' ADS-B Out Pricing Guide, it is not economical to upgrade a -006 or below TDR-94 or -94D. A replacement unit with a PN that meets ADS-B requirements should be installed.
Software Control Number
Exchange core values should be indicated on all invoices. Per US customs regulations, the value of the unit must be indicated on a Commercial Invoice, not the value of the transaction. Both the invoice and Customs Invoice must match. The following excerpt is from the Department of Commerce Foreign Trade Regulations:
Section 30.1
Export value: The value of the goods at the U.S. port of export. The value shall be the selling price (or the cost if the goods are not sold), including inland or domestic freight, insurance, and other charges to the U.S. seaport, airport, or land border port of export. Cost of goods is the sum of expenses incurred in the USPPI's acquisition or production of the goods. (See § 30.6(a)(17)).
Section 30.6(a)(17)
In general, the value to be reported in the EEI shall be the value of the goods at the U.S. port of export. The value shall be the selling price as defined in this paragraph (or the cost if the goods are not sold), including inland or domestic freight, insurance, and other charges to the U.S. seaport, airport, or land border port of export. Cost of goods is the sum of expenses incurred in the USPPI acquisition or production of the goods. Report the value to the nearest dollar; omit cents. Fractions of a dollar less than 50 cents should be ignored, and fractions of 50 cents or more should be rounded up to the next dollar. (i) Selling price. The selling price for goods exported pursuant to sale, and the value to be reported in the EEI, is the USPPI's price to the FPPI (the foreign buyer). Deduct from the selling price any unconditional discounts, but do not deduct discounts that are conditional upon a particular act or performance on the part of the foreign buyer. For goods shipped on consignment without a sale actually having been made at the time of export, the selling price to be reported in the EEI is the market value at the time of export at the U.S. port.
On May 23, 2018, BendixKing announced the KA-61A as a replacement for the KA-61. Since it has a BNC connector, it is only a direct replacement for the KA-61 PN 071-00221-0010.
Aircraft On Ground or AOG is a term used in aviation indicating that a problem exists that prevents an aircraft from flying. It implies a heightened urgency to acquire parts or service to allow the aircraft to be put back into service and prevent further delays.
Per the FAA, "Surplus" is described as "a product, assembly, part, or material that has been released as surplus by the military, manufacturers, owners/operators, repair facilities, or any other parts supplier. These products should show traceability to an FAA-approved manufacturing procedure."
"New Surplus" is a trade or industry specific term that is not officially recognized by the FAA. Unfortunately, "New Surplus" is a loosely used term by some parts supplier to describe items that may appear to be new and unused but have no documentation or certification to support the claim. Therefore, in most cases where items do not have traceability or proof of condition, such items are be considered "As Is" or "As Removed".
In FAA Advisory Circular AC20-62E, it is further explained that surplus items "although advertised as "remanufactured," "high quality," "like new," "unused," or "looks good," should be carefully evaluated before they are purchased. The storage time, storage conditions, or shelf life of surplus parts and materials are not usually known." "New Surplus" is not an acceptable term to be input into any maintenance release such as the FAA Form 8130-3 according FAA Order 8130.21G.
In most transactions, Southeast Aerospace does not consider "New Surplus" a valid condition term. Southeast Aerospace will not consider any unit as "New" condition without exact traceability, documentation, and history for a unit from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Otherwise, Southeast Aerospace considers any unit lacking appropriate OEM paperwork as "As Removed" and thus will require recertification.
Once any item regardless of condition is tested and certified according to manufacturer's specifications, it is considered "Inspected", "Repaired", or "Overhauled" depending on the work performed during the certification process.
Negotiating the exchange price of a unit only limits the allowable repair cap for the core unit. Southeast Aerospace's exchange transactions are based on the return of economically repairable core unit. Once the core is received and evaluated, the core repair cost incurred by SEA cannot exceed 75% of the original exchange price. That is, it cannot cost SEA more than 75% of the original OH/SV exchange price collected from the customer. Therefore, when and if an SEA exchange price is discounted, there is a risk that additional charges may be assessed once the core is returned and evaluated.
Garmin part numbers beginning with 010 are used by Garmin to identify products as "Shipping Level Part Numbers", Catalog or Kit part numbers. 010 type part numbers do not appear on the actual dataplate for almost all Garmin aviation units.
Garmin part numbers beginning with 011 are the actual unit part numbers, meaning the 011 part numbers are on the dataplate and paperwork of the unit. In most cases, related system accessories within the 010 standard kit and 010 catalog p/n with install kit do have individual 011 part numbers, but are ordered with the single 010 part number that designates a complete kit.
There are several categories of equipments used in determining shelf life for avionics. Shelf life refers to the amount of time that an avionics unit can remain in storage and still be expected to perform to specifications. Shelf life suggestions assume that a unit is controlled and maintained in environment where humidity is less than 60%, temperature is 68 deg. F +- 10, and in the absence of noncorrosive contaminants.
The categories are based on equipment intricacy, type and quantity of mechanical parts, and other factors such as lubrication, etc.
According to the Rockwell Collins Instruction Book for Avionics Standard Shop Practices, the longest shelf life period should be 5 years. This pertains to the least complex equipment such as mounts that only require visual inspection after 5 years to recertify.
For other, more complex equipment the following shelf life guidelines should be followed:
Air Data Computers | 24 Months |
Altimeters | 12 Months |
Computers | 24 Months |
Control Panels | 24 Months |
EFIS Displays | 12 Months (applies to any unit with CRT) |
Gyro | 12 Months (any unit w/ gears, bearings, etc) |
Indicators | 12 Months (units w/ meter movements) |
Radios | 24 Months |
Radio Altimeters | 24 Months |
Sensors (analog) | 12-18 Months |
Sensors (digital) | 24 Months |
Servo | 12 Months (any unit w/ gears, bearings, etc) |
Transponders | 24 Months |
Most avionics manufacturers advise that units should be recertified per performance tests in the applicable manual by the end of the shelf life period.
"Exchange" is a term used in aviation and most other parts industries to indicate the exchange of a known defective or unserviceable unit for a known good, serviceable unit. In most cases, in simple terms, exchanges are sought after when quick replacement of a defective unit is needed.
Southeast Aerospace's exchange price is based on a standard exchange. Additional billing will only occur if the cost to repair the core received exceeds the repair cap. The "repair cap" is the maximum allowable cost to repair the customer core. If the cost to repair the core exceeds the repair cap, the customer will be billed an additional fee equaling the difference between the repair cost and the repair cap. If the additional fee exceeds or equals the core charge, the core will be deemed to be beyond economical repair and the core will be billed back to the customer at the original stated core charge amount indicated on the exchange invoice. A billback of the original core charge amount will also occur in the vent that a core is not returned.
A standard exchange is only valid with the return of an economically repairable, normal core of the same model and same part number. A definition of a normal, repairable core is a unit that has experienced a normal equipment failure not related to an incident (i.e. fire, water damage, or act of nature) or improper installation. Units that have been heavily modified or extensively, unproductively worked on are not accepted as exchange cores. In rare cases or situations, exchanges may be conditional based on the serial number or service bulletin threshold of a unit due to certain older units not being supported by the manufacturer.
Click on a question below to see the answer. Please note, as more questions are answered, this document will be updated to include them.
Check back often for even more ADS-B information.
Need ADS-B Help?
Yes, the RANGR Lite is meant for owner/operators who do not have an ES (Extended Squitter) upgradeable transponder or WAAS GPS in their aircraft. The less expensive unit (TXL) is Transmit only while the other (XVRL) includes ADS-B In as well which will display (traffic and weather) on the GNS-430 but would be need to be interfaced.
First, we would recommend contacting a local Garmin dealer to discuss the following:
UPDATE
5/9/2018
Bendix/King, L3 and ACSS released the NXT-700/MST-70B as form fit replacement for the MST-67A. It is DO-260B compliant to meet the ADS-B Out mandate.
There are other options besides the MST-70B to gain ADS-B compliance. There are various STCs that allow the removal of the Bendix/King transponder system and installation of Rockwell Collins or Garmin transponders. Upgrade prices vary depending on actual installed equipment.
Regarding ADS-B for the Garmin GTX-330 transponders, the best solution is to simply have the units converted by Garmin to include the ES (Extended Squitter) upgrade. This upgrade is about $2000 approximately. Additionally, a WAAS/GPS source will need to be interfaced. We can process the upgrade for you or any other Garmin dealer can as well.
First, please reference the information Garmin provides in relation to the ES upgrade:
http://www.garmin.com/us/intheair/ads-b/seven-questions/
There is perhaps a misconception that simply having your Garmin GTX-330 transponder upgraded to include Extended Squitter capability is the only step for ADS-B Out compliance. As with almost all ADS-B installations, appropriate interfacing to other systems in the aircraft (ex. approved position source & altitude source) is required along with approved guidance material that indicates the airworthiness approval procedure followed for return to service of the aircraft (ex. AML STC). Garmin provides an Installation Manual with Approved Model List STC for its Aviation dealers. Authorized dealers should not be distributing the necessary data and paperwork for the ADS-B installation to non-dealers.
As with all ADS-B installations, Southeast Aerospace strongly recommends that you only contact and consult a trained, authorized avionics dealer.
No. Southeast Aerospace strongly recommends that you only contact and consult a trained, authorized avionics dealer for all ADS-B installations.
One of the reasons for much of the confusion, controversy, and misinformation surrounding ADS-B is due to those in the aviation realm who are minimalizing or ignoring key aspects of an ADS-B installation. Most if not all ADS-B installations are not a “box-swap” regardless of any advertising or information on the Internet stating as much. Even if you were to seek alternate, unauthorized methods to obtain ADS-B equipment or upgrades to existing equipment, you still need a way to get it in the aircraft and approved by the FAA. Most ADS-B product manufacturers only offer AML STCs they have to authorized dealers in their network.
If you want to be compliant and able to fly in 2020, then just get the job done right the first time. Unfortunately, some people in aviation always try to cut corners on avionics installations by underestimating the job at hand in hopes to save a buck. It never works out to your advantage no matter how it looks on the bottom line on the frontend of the job. The old saying holds true for ADS-B installations especially – “Pay Now or Pay Later”.
If you want your installation done right the first time legally and technically, then contact a trusted avionics shop that has formal training on ADS-B and the related products from the OEM. Or, contact the OEM and ask for a recommendation in your area. Most OEMs are more than happy to refer to a legitimate, quality dealer in your area.
Citation S550 equipped with: Transponders MST-67A 066-01143-2101. Chance to update to ES?
Garmin GPS400. Chance to update software to WAAS? Or maybe to replace with a GPS400W and link it with transponders? - FMS UNS-1L SCN 803.1. Citation Mustang C510 equipped with G1000 Integrated Flight Deck. It is a 2008 plane.
What can I do to get ADS-B at an affordable price?
A: Since the aircraft are operated in Spain, what region or ADS-B spec do you need to meet? (i.e. USA, DO-260B?)
Without knowing exactly what ADS-B requirement or mandate you might be trying to comply with, I can only provide information relative to what we know here in the USA in reference to ADS-B for Part 25 aircraft.
For the Citation 550, the MST-67A will be superseded by the MST-100B if/when Honeywell can produce and certify the MST-100B. I have attached the only details that we currently have on the MST-100B. Honeywell has not even released pricing on this unit yet, however, ideally it would be an ideal solution ultimately since it is said to be plug and play with the MST-67A. With a WAAS GPS interfaced it would meet all ADS-B mandates. Also, keep in mind, that your CAS-67 can be upgraded fairly easily to Change 7.1 via Honeywell sales bulletin upgrading the TPU-67A processor to the TPU-67B. There is a company that offers some STCs for Part 25 aircraft if your region requires an STC for the 7.1 upgrade - http://www.prostaraviation.com/
If the MST-100B does not pan out for some reason and/or Honeywell keeps delaying its release, then there is a company named Jettech that has released Garmin GTX 3000ES ADS-B capable transponder to its existing STC covering Garmin GTN install on Citation and Citation Jet aircraft equipped with TCAS II. In addition, the company amended its Garmin GTN autopilot coupled LPV FAA STC for the Citation 500 series to include all Primus 1000 equipped Bravo, Ultra, Encore and Excel aircraft. They do not have much information on their website about the ADS-B STC but I recently learned about it at the AEA convention last week - http://jettechllc.net/index.html
Regardless of what direction you might go in, you should most likely get your GPS-400 upgraded to the GPS-400W while Garmin is still offering the upgrade. It is relatively inexpensive at around $3000 USD. Most FANS type systems will require WAAS GPS input or accuracy ultimately. Plus, Garmin's WAAS interface tis very compatible with most ADS-B solutions. Regarding the Citation Mustang C510 equipped with G1000, Garmin is still working on this solution. We assume it will include the GTX-3000 transponder(s) as this aircraft will require a 1090 MHz, (not 978 MHz UAT) system. I would continue to monitor Garmin's website for announcements relating to the G1000.
In most cases, if you already have Garmin equipment, the easiest route to comply with ADS-B is to stay with Garmin. Based on what you gave me below, you would need to upgrade your GNS530 to the 530W (WAAS) and replace your GTX327 with the GTX330ES (Extended Squitter). Most shops will give you a trade-in value for the GTX327 and there are some used GTX330ES units out there on the market. This route will make you compliant with the 1090ES part of ADS-B compliance.
Otherwise, if you choose to keep the GTX327 and go with the GDL88 or GDL84 UAT (978 compliance), you will still have to get your GNS530 upgraded to WAAS and then handle some additional considerations.
Unfortunately, the GPS in the KMD-150 does not comply with any of the requirements for GPS performance in the latest ADS-B mandate or DO-260B. More or less, although it is not specifically referred as such, current WAAS GPS receivers are the only GPS receivers that meet the performance requirement needed for ADS-B Out.
Considering your current situation, here are a few possible scenarios for you to comply:
The second option is obviously going to be more expensive but gives you a little more versatility and more capability in your aircraft. I only included UAT (978) options because I am assuming that you are flying below 18,000 feet.
A few questions related to the KGX 150 :
There are a few things to be aware of with all UAT installations. These units require a control device and a switch to place them in air/ground mode. The switch is not a major issue and is a minor cost. However, the controller is additional if the aircraft is not already equipped with a transponder and/or display (MX20 for example).
As you’ll see below, yes, the KT-76C will pair with the unit via the antennas. Basically the UAT will sense the XPDR. This will enable you to send the Mode A and IDENT information to the UAT unit. However, you are still required per the FAA to have a way to know your ADS-B status. If a suitable display such as the Garmin MX20, Aspen EFD1000 or the KSN 770 is not installed, then a remote control unit is required. The KGX Control Panel list price is currently $619. Depending on the aircraft and the kind of flying, there are a lot of factors and options to consider.
In regards to your RV-6A, upgrading to the GTX 330ES will take care of your 2020 requirements for ADS-B. As you already have a GTX 327 and a GNS 430W, you may be more pleased with the installation of a GDL 88 standard. The prices of the units are similar even once you add the new antenna for the GDL-88 (give or take about $150). The labor to install the GDL 88 will be more, but with the GDL 88 you will get free weather and traffic on the GNS 430W. This would then free up the Garmin 696 and the GDL 39 for your Luscombe.
In regards to your 1947 Luscombe 8-E, your options are not as straight forward. You have no WAAS/GPS receiver in the aircraft so one of the UAT units like the GDL 88/84 from Garmin, NGT-2500 from L-3, or the RANGR 978 from Freeflight will be your best option to give the ADS-B Out. The RANGR 978, with its control head (required per the installation manual), may be the least expensive option but all three will have a fair amount of labor for the installation.
Since SEA is a Rockwell Collins dealer, we can perform this modification. Some of the equipment for this modification can be sold in serviceable condition, but we cannot sell factory new without performing the upgrade ourselves. There are several components required to perform this modification as well as wiring changes and additions. We’re happy to discuss this modification in more detail with you and gather the information necessary to provide you with an accurate proposal.
Portable ADS-B Out systems, also known as "suitcase" units, should not be operated (transmitting) aboard any aircraft. While marketing associated with these units may imply approval for use by way of an FCC license, the FAA prohibits their use for the following reasons:
The KLN-94 is not a WAAS GPS, nor is it upgradeable to one. We recommend the KT-74, but if you decide to upgrade to a GPS400W or GNS430W, then you would want to go with a GTX-330.
The FAA Rebate program has come to and end. Please reference the FAA's webite for more information. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/rebate/faq/#q0201
Other discount opportunities include the following:
1. Fleet or multiple aircraft discounts. Many avionics shops will offer significant discounts for multiple aircraft ADS-B upgrade committments.
2. Avionics vender sales bulletin special pricing. Avionics venders will, from time to time, come out with special pricing on specific equipment or equipment combinations. Sometimes the equipment pricing is tied to certain airframes. Avioncs shops often times pass these special pricing opportunites on to the customer. Special pricing bulletins always have an expiration date for equipment ordering and shipping so be mindful that pricing can change drastically if you do not commit.
3. Avionics upgrades beyond ADS-B. When performing ADS-B upgrades along side of EFIS, Radio, or other upgrades discounts can be extended due to aircraft access and equipment bundle pricing.
BendixKing announced a modification to the CitationJet CNI 5000 using the KT-74 transponder and a remotely mounted WAAS GPS receiver. A package including the hardware, modified bezel, and STC will be available to authorized dealers. Please contact Southeast Aerospace to discuss ADS-B and upgrade options for the CitationJet. See photo below. Alternatively, there are existing STCs that allow the installation of Garmin GTN navigators in the CNI 5000 location. The GTN can then control remote mounted GTX 3X5R transponders for ADS-B Out and In.
There is no ADS-B In display option for a Honeywell MFRD. An iPad or other Flight Bag is the only option.