Avidyne Corp. and NexAir Avionics of Mansfield, Mass., have received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the FAA for the installation of the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (R9) in the Piper PA-32-301 series Saratoga aircraft.
This R9 certification is part of the overall FAA approval of NexAir’s Saratoga NX aircraft revitalization program, which includes other performance and aesthetic enhancements including new paint, interior, cowlings, and lighting, according to Avidyne officials.
“The Saratoga NX is much more than your basic aircraft refurb. Rather than simply installing devices in a panel, we leverage our knowledge as engineers and pilots to integrate the avionics into the aircraft in a way that optimizes performance and ease-of-use,” said David Fetherston, president of NexAir Avionics. “With the Saratoga NX, we’ve essentially created a new aircraft that’s better equipped and costs far less than a new or late model version. It really is better-than-new.”
With this approval, Avidyne extends its R9 Approved Model List (AML-STC), which also covers the Cirrus SR20 and SR22, and the Piper PA-46 Matrix and Mirage.
The Saratoga NX comes standard with Avidyne Entegra Release 9 suite, which includes dual XGA-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully digital VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual SBAS-capable GPS receivers. CMax approach charts provide on-demand access to Jeppesen JeppView electronic approach charts and airport diagrams and show the aircraft’s instantaneous position and flight plan on the chart. R9’s EMax electronic engine monitoring system provides graphical displays of engine data for managing performance. The Saratoga NX also includes the Avidyne MLB770 Broadcast Datalink Receiver, the Avidyne TWX670 Color Lightning Weather Detection System, and the Avidyne TAS600 Traffic Advisory System.
The Saratoga NX also comes equipped with full-size backup instruments, including an airspeed indicator, a turn coordinator, engine instruments and a Mid-Continent Instruments “Life Saver” battery backed up attitude indicator, as well as a backup alternator.
The Saratoga NX comes standard with a zero-time factory remanufactured engine; Current Saratoga owners may elect to retain their existing strong, low-time engine.
Saratoga NX add-ons include AmSafe Inflatable Restraint airbag seatbelts, an in-flight passenger DVD entertainment system and a fold-down worktable. The Avidyne DFC100 autopilot, and the Synthetic Vision (SVS) and Enhanced Vision (EVS) Systems may be installed once available from Avidyne.
Entegra Release 9 with dual IFDs for retrofit into Entegra-equipped PA-32 aircraft starts at $72,800 and is available now.
NexAir’s Saratoga NX certification aircraft has a fly-away price of $395,000.
Owners of an existing Saratoga may have their aircraft transformed into a Saratoga NX. Pricing is $245,000 for 1993-2004 model years and $305,000 for 1980-1992 model years. Trade-ins also are accepted.
Reservations for new Saratoga NX aircraft are available immediately with a fully refundable deposit of $10,000.
For more information: NexairAvionics.com or Avidyne.com