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cost savings instead of modifying the complete avionics suite for dynamic FLT ID changes.
For specific examples, see the sidebar for several options that have been vetted to provide a good rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate to budget your upgrade.
How long will it take?
Based on the solution you select, parts availability and the associated ADS-B option, upgrades can be done in as little as one-to-two days or a few weeks. The disclaimer here is the same that I stated before – the longer you wait, the longer your downtime and higher the costs will be, because the demand will be higher and the supply lower.
In Conclusion
Because ADS-B is a mandate affecting all aircraft operators, an interesting side effect is it’s made you all smarter avionics shoppers. Use that knowledge to help your avionics shop provide the best solution for you. If you still don’t feel you know enough about this subject, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s vital you and your shop are on the same page or you very well may end up dissatisfied with the outcome. If your shop has supported your aircraft for some time, you should be able to call them and get rough baseline numbers. Knowing your equipment list and the current part numbers is not only helpful in the quoting process, but can make the difference when your aircraft gets to the shop and having additional charges added.
Finally, it’s time to mention the added security. As it stands, installations being completed are coming out with about a 20 percent failure rate. Although all shops
doing ADS-B installations are required to have the proper equipment and tooling to complete ADS-B compliance ground checks, some don’t. Installations aren’t always done correctly or the configuration data isn’t loaded accurately during post-install configuration. I highly recommend for your own piece of mind to either ask your shop for a copy of the FAA’s ADS-B Performance Report for your airplane after it’s been returned to service or you can get it yourself. By receiving the ADS-B Performance Report, you’ll have a report from the organization that matters, the FAA. This information will grade your installation and if there are any problems, they will be identified. If you choose not to go this route, you can always assume that your shop did the job correctly and hope to not get that letter from the FAA informing you otherwise.
Better to be safe, in my opinion. Here is the link to FAA’s ADS-B Performance Report: https://adsbperformance. faa.gov/PAPRRequest.aspx KA
Bill Thompson has been in the avionics industry for 20 years and has considerable experience in general and corporate aviation working in both the OEM and MRO environments. As an A&P of 22 years, and holding inspection authorization for more than 13, Bill specializes in avionics system integration utilizing the latest technology with a focus on maintaining the vitality of older aircraft. Starting out in the piston world, Bill worked for Sarasota Avionics before moving on to Hawker Beechcraft to work with corporate aircraft. Now with TECHNICAir, and numerous Garmin G1000 and Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion installations under his belt, Bill has considerable knowledge regarding the avionics legacy of almost all the King Air platforms.
Common ADS-B Options for King Airs
Garmin GTN/GTX King Air Package:
Meet the mandate with the power and price point of Garmin.
Upgrade the following:
Upgrade GNS-430W to GTN-625
Install GTX-345 ADS-B In/Out Transponder Install GTX-335 ADS-B Out Transponder
Install Flight Stream 510
What do you get?
Upgrade from the existing GNS to a GTN touchscreen to meet all the existing requirements of the removed GNS and on-screen control of the transponders.
Installing the GTX-345 provides ADS-B In/Out with the backup GTX-335 for ADS-B Out.
The Flight Stream 510 opens the ability for wireless cockpit connectivity for flight planning, weather, traffic and a backup attitude indicator.
6 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
Garmin GTN/GTX King Air Package
How long will it take?
The install upgrade from existing equipment to a solid baseline Garmin solution takes five working days based on work scope and Garmin’s part lead time.
JUNE 2017