When talking about King Air avionics retrofits, it is important to understand the difference between integrated and non-integrated systems. An integrated avionics retrofit is a system that is operating off of all its components in a similar generation. These components are all made to work together as a group. This includes a new autopilot system.
A non-integrated avionics package is a system that has newer components working with older ones. Think of trying to hook up an old Atari with a new smart TV. You can probably find the right parts to make it work, but your system is only as good as the weakest link. The reason non-integrated systems exist is that it is very expensive to engineer and certify a new autopilot system and, depending on your mission and intended use for the aircraft, a fully integrated system upgrade may not make sense for you.
I often get asked by aircraft owners, “What is the best option for me?” I like to stress that they should do their research and reach out to experts that are indifferent to the avionics manufacturers and make sure that they are a highly reputable shop that works on a lot of King Airs. For instance, someone who does a lot of piston work might not have the best information and may pass along what they’re comfortable with and not what is best for the King Air customer. In addition, find someone who will be unbiased and will educate you on the pros and cons of each system. While a lot of these systems may look similar on the surface as they market the same types of features (synthetic vision, flat-panel displays, etc.), it is important to talk in-depth with your King Air service center representative to fully understand what you are buying. A reputable shop is going to educate you so you are truly knowledgeable about your purchase. Their end goal should be that they can call you five years later and there is no buyers’ remorse because you truly understood what you purchased.
Because of the amount of King Air model changes, it’s hard to offer a “one-size-fits-all” solution. For example, if you have a cockpit that has Collins Pro Line 21 avionics (2004 or later), your upgrade paths can be completely different than one that is built just one year earlier. That being said, let’s get into what the solutions from each avionics manufacturer are and to what models of King Air they apply.
BendixKing
BendixKing is currently working on certifying their AeroVue system. It is targeted toward King Air 200 and B200 models, and is similar to the Honeywell Apex which is currently installed in Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The AeroVue system will be integrated, completely replacing your old avionics package including the autopilot. It will have synthetic vision, WAAS/LPV, three 12-inch LCD displays and ADS-B compliance. As the system is not currently certified, pricing and many other details are still unknown.
Garmin
Garmin has a couple of options for King Air operators. Their non-integrated offering is the G600/GTN panel-mount avionics system. It includes synthetic vision, charts, weather and an ADS-B solution. It is available for the King Air 90 series, not including the Pro Line 21 aircraft, several in the 200 series and the B200. Keep in mind that if you are considering this solution, it is very specific to the autopilot in the airplane. For instance, a King Air 200 with an APS-80 autopilot could not consider the modification while a King Air 200 with a Sperry SPZ200 could. The G600/GTN system should take about six weeks to install and cost between $200,000 and $250,000.
Garmin’s fully integrated system, the G1000 (pictured on page 8), is available for the King Air C90, 200, B200, 300 and 350 models. The system offers synthetic vision, WAAS/LPV, charts, weather, safe taxi, XM radio, ADS-B solutions, a 15-inch multi-function display and two 10-inch primary flight displays. A G1000 installation should take 15 working days and have an approximate baseline cost between $325,000 and $375,000.
Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins has a few options for King Air owners/operators depending on what you presently have. If you are currently operating a Collins Pro Line 21 system, they offer several updates and enhancements like ADS-B, Datalink weather, charts and many other updates if you don’t currently have them. Pricing varies depending on the number and scope of the updates needed.
One upcoming solution for existing Pro Line 21 cockpits and new production King Airs is the Pro Line Fusion, which features commercial aviation’s first touchscreen PFDs, and was just announced as becoming standard on all new production King Air 350i/ER, 250 and C90GTx models. It is still being integrated into production and will start with the King Air 250 later this year. Rockwell Collins is also offering a retrofit option on the existing Pro Line 21 King Airs to provide the Pro Line Fusion, which would give operators an integrated upgrade solution.
If you don’t have Pro Line 21, but have Collins Pro Line II in a King Air 350, you can upgrade to Pro Line Fusion. Pro Line Fusion in a Pro Line II-equipped King Air 350 includes three new 14″ touchscreen displays (that eliminates the CRT obsolescence problem), new GPS navigator with WAAS/LPV, synthetic vision, charts, weather and ADS-B compliance. This non-integrated upgrade retains the current autopilot, nav, comms, audio system and weather radar. This system is still under certification and final pricing has not been released, but is expected to be comparable to the non-integrated Garmin G600/GTN upgrade.
The final option for King Airs from Rockwell Collins is the fully integrated Pro Line 21 upgrade. This is available for the King Air B200, 300 and 350 models. Typical downtimes for this retrofit is about two months and costs between $1,200,000 and $1,400,000 depending on options.
Universal Avionics
With Universal Avionics, non-Pro Line 21 airplanes have the option of going with the WAAS/LPV
UNS-1 series FMS for all King Air models. The typical downtime for this type of upgrade is about two weeks. Installation will run approximately $100,000-$150,000. Once you have it, you will have new ADS-B options that will use the UNS-1 as a position source for GPS. Universal and Rockwell Collins are partnering using Collins transponders to meet ADS-B requirements. Certification is currently in process.
Not Ready for an Upgrade
If an upgrade is currently not within your budget, you can always go the route of maintaining your aircraft with aftermarket avionics. Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution, because eventually many of the parts in an older King Air avionics system, such as CRTs, will become completely obsolete. However, if you do have an immediate need and do not want to spend the money for an upgrade, a good reputable King Air shop should be able to get you a cost-effective replacement part to save you some money.
Upcoming ADS-B Requirements
With ADS-B requirements coming in late 2019, getting your aircraft equipped to meet requirements is going to be increasingly more difficult. All of the major avionics manufacturers either currently have solutions that will work for King Air operators or are very far down the path to certification.
Current numbers show that less than 10% of the business aircraft in the United States are compliant. Although it seems like it’s still a long way off, there are a lot of aircraft to modify and avionics manpower is limited, so the longer you hold off, the longer you might wait in line.
In addition, if you are an aircraft owner that is thinking you will not need to have ADS-B compliance because you are going to sell your aircraft before 2020, be very careful. An aircraft purchaser in the year 2019 is going to be highly reluctant to take a non-ADS-B-compliant aircraft in on trade because, by that time, every avionics shop in the country is likely to be completely booked many months in advance. They may be unwilling to take the risk of an aircraft that would be grounded because of non ADS-B compliance, which will have an impact on the value of the airplane.
Regardless of the direction you take, make sure you fully understand what will work best for your mission. Do your research and make sure to reach out to a reputable King Air service center to get all of your questions answered. A good avionics shop will have the customer’s best interest in mind as they fully understand that this is a relationship business and the best way to create meaningful relationships in aviation is to work together to come up with solutions that will work for the people operating the aircraft.
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