Avidyne and Brown Aviation Lease Announce Safety & Performance-Enhancing Upgrades for WMU's Fleet of Entegra Release 9–Equipped Aircraft
Lincoln, MA, August 25, 2014--– Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight deck and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced today that, along with Brown Aviation Lease, they have extended their partnership with Western Michigan University (WMU) by adding Avidyne’s Synthetic Vision and dual Air Data/Attitude-Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) capability to WMU’s fleet of Cirrus SR20 aircraft.
Through Brown’s Operating Lease Solution, WMU’s fleet of 26 Cirrus aircraft will be upgraded with System Software R9.3 and a second ADAHRS. Each aircraft was previously equipped with Avidyne’s Entegra Release 9, comprising dual high-resolution IFD5000 Integrated Flight Displays, a single ADAHRS (pronounced AD-uh-hars), WAAS-capable FMS900w Flight Management Systems (FMS), 16-watt all-digital VHF radios, and MLB700 SIRIUS/XM for broadcast datalink weather.
“We previously chose Avidyne’s Release 9 system because of its fantastic flight management system capabilities that are especially valuable for training tomorrow’s corporate and air transport pilots,” said Captain David Powell, Dean of the WMU’s College of Aviation. “The addition of the R9.3 Synthetic Vision upgrade and the second ADAHRS strengthen our training program by providing students with state-of-the-art display capability, and dual-sensor failure mode training.”
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with WMU and their premier pilot training program,” said Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President and CEO. “This upgrade allows WMU to train the next generation of professional pilots to a new level of proficiency.”
“Extending our partnership with WMU and Avidyne for this upgrade is a great example of how we are providing top-tier universities, flight schools and fleet operators with continued access to state-of-the-art aircraft and avionics systems. For WMU, we were able to improve the overall performance, safety and utility of their fleet while lowering their monthly lease costs,” said Jason Griswold, Managing Director of Brown Aviation Lease.
About Entegra Release 9 (www.release9.com)
Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, Entegra Release 9 represents the next generation of integrated flight deck systems for general aviation aircraft. The Entegra Release 9 system includes dual XGA-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully-digital VHF NAV/COM radios, dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers, and DFC100 digital autopilot with Envelope Protection and Alerting.
In addition, Entegra Release 9 provides a new level of communication between the FMS/NAV system and the autopilot, greatly reducing pilot workload in critical phases of flight. Coupled with the DFC10, the FMS automatically switches the autopilot modes during transitions from en route to approach phases of flight, reducing pilot workload and eliminating ‘mode confusion’ associated with other systems. Entegra Release 9 is currently available as a certified retrofit upgrade for existing Entegra-equipped Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft.
About Western Michigan University (www.wmich.edu/)
Western Michigan University is a national research university enrolling nearly 25,000 students from across the United States and more than 100 other countries. Founded in 1903, it is a learner-centered, discovery-driven and globally engaged public university that offers a superior and supportive learning environment. WMU combines all the educational and cultural resources of a major research university with the personal attention and friendly atmosphere typically found only at a smaller college. Taking full advantage of that combination gives students the edge they need to succeed in graduate school, the workplace and life. WMU aviation students prepare for careers with a revolutionary new curriculum built around the skills the airline industry knows its future employees should have. Students also enjoy practical training using the nation’s finest aviation facilities.
About Brown Aviation Lease, LLC (www.brownaviationlease.com)
Brown Aviation Lease is the leading fleet management company for professional flight training organizations. They provide a full platform of fleet management solutions for university and institutional pilot education programs. Founded in 2008, Brown Aviation Lease currently owns and manages over 75 piston aircraft making them one of the largest owners of modern training aircraft in North America. Brown was founded and currently financed by former owners and management of Alex. Brown and Sons, an eight-generation “old-style” merchant bank. Since 1801, Alex. Brown and Sons took a leading role in establishing America’s infrastructure through capital, partnerships and deep personal relationships with clients. Today, Brown Aviation Lease, LLC continues the firm’s legacy through its part in building the infrastructure necessary to train the world’s elite pilots.
About Avidyne Corporation (www.avidyne.com)
Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and its Flying Made Simple™ system design make flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company offers a full line of panel-mounted avionics including their new IFD540 and IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM, AMX240 audio panel, AXP340 Mode S Transponder with ADS-B OUT, and DFC90 digital flight control systems. Avidyne’s product line also includes the industry-leading Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck with DFC100 digital flight control system, datalink-capable EX600 multi-function displays, the dual-antenna TAS-A series of active traffic advisory systems with ADS-B IN, the MLX770 world-wide datalink transceiver, and the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system. Headquartered in Lincoln, MA, the company has facilities in Westerville, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Boulder, CO.
