The FAA has granted Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization to Aspen Avionics for the Evolution EFD1000C3 Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) for Class III aircraft. The Evolution software now meets the Level B assurance levels required for FAR Part 23 Class III aircraft, making the Evolution displays available to operators of piston and turbine aircraft weighing between 6,000 and 12,500 pounds. Aircraft owners can install the newly certified EFD1000C3 Pro PFD independently, or in combination with the Evolution Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) to fit their particular flight mission needs and budgets, according to Aspen officials.
Initial additions to Aspen’s Approved Model List (AML) include many popular Class III airframes such as the Piper Navajo and Cheyenne series, most King Air models, the Cessna 400 series, and turbine Twin Commanders. More than 200 Class III models are currently approved and Aspen is working with the FAA to add more models to the list. Aspen’s AML now includes more than 900 Class I, Class II and Class III fixed-wing aircraft.
The EFD1000C3 Pro PFD has features such as integrated GPS Steering, digital HSI with dual bearing pointers and moving map. Aspen is also offering Evolution packages that bundle MFDs with the PFD. The EFD1000 MFD and 500 MFD support hazard awareness features like weather, traffic and Stormscope, as well as Charts and Geo-referenced Airport Diagrams. The 1000 MFD also includes fully redundant ADAHRS sensors. In the event of PFD failure, a push of the REV button converts the 1000 MFD to a fully functioning PFD.
The EFD1000C3 Pro PFD has a list price of $12,995. Special launch pricing of $10,995 will be in effect until Oct. 31, 2010.