Avidyne Press Release

For Immediate Release

Avidyne Completes European EASA Certifications of DFC90 & DFC100 Digital Autopilots

DFC90 & DFC100 Autopilots now approved in Europe for Piper PA-46 aircraft; DFC90 Release 2 software, which adds Dynamic Envelope Protection and Full Time Envelope Alerting (EA), now approved for European-registered Cirrus aircraft.

Lincoln, MA – Friday, March 09, 2012 – Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced today that they have received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval of the DFC90 and DFC100 digital autopilots for installation in European-registered Piper PA-46 Matrix and Mirage aircraft. Avidyne also received EASA approval for the new DFC90 Release 2 software upgrade which adds full-time Envelope Alerting (EA) capability and also allows the option of wiring the aircraft for dynamic Envelope Protection (EP) with Flap Sensing for new installations and for existing DFC90-equipped Cirrus SR20 and SR22 owners in Europe. 

All DFC90s and DFC100s also provide the safety enhancement of the ‘Straight & Level’ button which provides one-button unusual attitude recovery.

“We are continuing to expand the market for our safety-enhancing DFC90 and DFC100 autopilots, which are now available for European-registered PA-46 aircraft,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer. “The addition of full time Envelope Alerting and dynamic Envelope Protection for the DFC90 is another example of our commitment to continuous product improvement and safety.”

Owners of European-registered Cirrus SR20/SR22 and Piper PA-46 aircraft can now upgrade to the DFC90 if they have the original Entegra suite, or they can add the DFC100 if they have already upgraded to the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 flight deck.

All European-registered Cirrus SR20/22 aircraft that already have the DFC90 autopilot are now able to be upgraded to DFC90 Release 2 software.

About DFC90/DFC100

The DFC90 and DFC100 autopilots are digital autopilot systems that are designed as slide-in replacements for the S-TEC55X autopilot.  They add the precision and reliability of an attitude-based flight control system, by taking advantage of the single or dual ADAHRS in the Entegra and Release 9 systems.  Both autopilots provide the safety enhancements of the ‘Straight & Level’ mode, providing one-button unusual attitude recovery, Flight Envelope Protection (EP) and full-time Envelope Alerting (EA).  EP virtually eliminates autopilot-induced stalls (underspeed) and overspeeds, while EA protects against flight envelope exceedences by providing visual and aural warnings to the pilot, even when the autopilot is not engaged. In addition, the DFC90 and DFC100 add Indicated Airspeed Hold (IAS Hold) capability, which is a preferred method for climbing and descending in these higher-performing aircraft.  

Pricing & Availability

For existing owners of DFC90-equipped Cirrus aircraft, the price for the Release 2 upgrade is $500, which includes the factory update of the DFC90 flight computer and field-loadable software to update the Entegra EXP5000 PFD.   This price does not include the cost of shipping, VAT, or the cost for additional parts or dealer labor for performing the software upgrade nor for any additional wiring should you choose to add it.  Please contact your dealer for a quote.  

All new DFC90 systems include Release 2 software.

DFC90/Entegra Upgrade Pricing for Matrix or Cirrus

For Piper PA-46 Matrix and Cirrus owners (with single Entegra PFD & STEC55X autopilot), adding the DFC90 is $9,995, plus $3,895 to upgrade the Entegra PFD to Release 8.0.5 software.  Pricing does not include the cost of shipping, VAT, other parts or dealer labor.

DFC90/Entegra Upgrade Pricing for Mirage

For Piper PA-46 Mirage owners (with dual Entegra PFDs & STEC55X), adding the DFC90 is $9,995, plus $6,895 to upgrade the two PFDs to Release 8.0.5 software. Pricing does not include the cost of shipping, VAT, other parts or dealer labor.

DFC100/R9 Upgrade Pricing for R9 Matrix

For existing R9 Matrix owners with an STEC55X, the DFC100 price is $14,995 including v9.2.4 software upgrades for the dual IFD5000s.  The IFD5000s can be updated via the front-mounted USB ports with field-loadable software. Pricing does not include the cost of shipping, VAT, other parts or dealer labor.

For additional information or to schedule your upgrade, please contact Avidyne or contact your Avidyne Authorized Dealer.

DFC90 pricing assumes exchange of STEC55X unit, which must be returned to Avidyne.

High Resolution DFC90 & DFC100 images available at: http://www.avidyne.com/news/images.asp#dfc

Editorial Contacts

Tom Harper
Avidyne Corporation
(781) 402-7400
tharper@avidyne.com
www.avidyne.com

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