2 minute read
Cessna 185 with the modern avionics
The next stage of avionics modernization of Cessna A185F
Three years ago, our PART 21 Design Office and the PART 145 Maintenance Organization modernized the avionic equipment of the Cessna A 185F aircraft - one of two such aircraft currently flying in Poland. We wrote extensively about that modernization in Drabpol News no. 3/2017.
Advertisement
This aircraft, originally equipped with 40-year old avionic equipment, received the latest Garmin navigation devices and the glass cockpit, i.e. the G500 flight display system, two NAV COMM GTN750 units with a remote audio panel, a remote transponder, the L-3 Communications WX-500 Stormscope storm and lightning warning system, and JPI Instruments electronic monitoring system of engine parameters. The open system architecture allowed to expand it in the future with new components, depending on the requests and possibilities of the owner. That moment came this summer.
The airplane is undergoing an overhaul, which gives us the opportunity to once again modernize its avionics. So the Cessna 185 came back to us for another upgrade.
This time the upgrade offer includes the replacement of the G500 system (which is withdrawn from sale) with the latest version - G500TXi with a 10.6-inch display, touchscreen and integrated ADAHRS system.
The classic stand-by instruments will also disappear from the cockpit, replaced by the electronic G5 Attitude Indicator, which combines the indications of an attitude indicator, speed indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, turn indicator and magnetic compass.
As there is already one of the systems increasing the pilot's awareness on board - the WX-500 warning system - the GTS 800 active anti-collision system will be added to the tandem of "guarding" flight safety – this is a Traffic Advisory system that informs about traffic of other aircraft equipped with an operating transponder.
The GTS 800 system can track up to 45 targets (other aircraft) in a distance up to 22 nautical miles. Such a system is a "second pair of eyes" for the pilot.
The last system integrated throughout the project that supplements the equipment to the absolute maximum is the GFC 500 autopilot, which has been gradually developed by Garmin for several years for many aircraft models, obtaining EASA approval. The autopilot operates in 3 axes: pitch, roll and yaw.
The modernization design is currently at the stage of installing new devices. Engineers from our Part 145 Maintenance Organization have already replaced the G500 system with the G500TXi, and they are currently installing the GTS 800 anti-collision system and the autopilot.
The next modernization, however, required the subsequent change of the instrument panel. Our designers from Part 21 Design Office had to first perform measurements of the airplane cockpit, then the design and drawings of the new instrument panel, as well as electrical diagrams.
Certainly, the new equipment that will soon be on the airplane, more reliable and compliant with the latest standards, will increase situational awareness on the ground and in the air and, consequently, will contribute to improving the safety of the pilot and passengers.
