Garmin’s popular aviation portables are able to find their way into your cockpit with a new lower price.

The Garmin 796 is now only $2,199.00!  For all other portables check out our Webstore or call us.

Rust Remover on May 25

The BC Floatplane is holding its bi-annual “Rust Remover” Seminar at Maxcraft Avionics, at YPK in the Maxcraft hangar. Registration at 8:30, Seminar at 9:00 am. All are welcome to attend!

Pre-register online to be eligible to win a SPOT Tracker!

www.bcfloatplane.com

• meets Transport Canada 2 year recurrency
• great informative speakers
• BCFA Annual General Meeting
• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks included
• Aircraft Displays
• Salmon BBQ dinner by donation
• Door Prizes

Call us for more details! 

 Poker Run

Join the Ninety-Nines in their annual Poker Run on May 18, 2013.

Prizes and food at the Pitt Meadows airport…who will be there first!!

Participating Airports

1.Abbotsford CYXX

2. Boundary Bay CZBB

3 Chilliwack CYCW

4. Delta Airpark CAK3

5. Langley CYNJ

6. Nanaimo CYCD

7. Squamish CYSE

8. Terminus: Pitt Meadows CYPK

For more details click here to go to their website.

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

An aerobatic aircraft – the MX2.

It’s a guys dream aircraft. Or at least it seems to be as a lot of our employees ooh’ed and ah’d at this aircraft when it came into our hangar.

What is it?

This is a sporty two seater, amateur built aircraft, made of carbon fibre. It offers great performance, agility and ruggedness for aerobatic competitions and air shows.  The MX2 has a cruise speed  in excess of 200 knots, top speed of 300 MPH and has a roll rate of 500 degrees per second.  Also designed for plus or minus 16G’s!

Who does it belong to?

Dave Mathieson, better known as “Super Dave” in the airshow community, currently flies this world’s most advanced aerobatic aircraft.

Did you see the chicken?

Most pilots have a red tag off the pitot static, this one, has a chicken. Very imaginative!

What did we do?

Dave needed his sponsored Grand Rapids EFIS display installed with just a few days notice.  Four of our technicians worked late into a few nights and on Friday night Super Dave roared off for his first airshow.
Dave is in so many airshows and aerobatic competitions,   he  has many decals of sponsors on the aircraft.  One of them, us!

See more of this aircraft on an upcoming segment on the Discovery Channel.

(shhhh..they’re here now shooting)

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

It was that time again.  Our service managers, Clarke and Ryan had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas for the 56th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show.  It was a great opportunity for Maxcraft to connect with manufacturers, distributors, and other shops to learn what is new in avionics. Clarke and Ryan brought the knowledge back to train our technicians and inform our customers. Just a sample of the new technology that was introduced:

• Universal Avionics FlightReview™ is a FMS Flight Data Reduction and Playback Software that gives you the ability to access and review past flights and approaches

• ADS-B Solutions – Many new solutions from Aspen, Garmin, Avidyne, etc. These boxes will provide compliance for the US requirement and provide traffic and wx without subscription fees

• Garmin - They have been busy this year with many new products worth looking at.
  • G3X – New avionics for the homebuilt market. The G3X price has been reduced and many new sub products have been added – ADHARS, Angle of Attack, Engine interface modules, and most importantly a digital autopilot at an amazingly low price
  • GTN750/650 certification for helicopters - Garmin has optimized the GTN GPS/NAV/COM touchscreen series with new features and capabilities that address the specific needs of helicopter operations. These enhancements include; environmental qualification, meeting stringent helicopter vibration and temperature testing standards optional Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility, optional built-in Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS). Read more here
  • GRA5500 – All-digital radar altimeter by Garmin. The new high performance, all digital GRA 5500 radar altimeter for helicopters general aviation and more. The GRA 5500 works to provide smooth altitude tracking resulting in consistent and high accurate altitude above ground indication.  Read more here
  • GTS825/855 - Enhanced traffic systems with higher power and greater range.

• Cabin entertainment systems - The good news is that there are many choices for wifi, satcom, and entertainment systems. It’s vitally important you match the system for your needs and have a shop install it who knows the technology. Call us to discuss.
• Digital Audio Panels - We have been big fans of digital audio systems for complex, high demand cockpits often found in helicopters. There are now a numerous companies offering this technology such as Becker, Cobham, Geneva, and Jupiter.
• Jupiter -The JA95-001 pictured below may look similar to other audio controllers.  However, there are some MAJOR differences that set this unit above its competitors. Product Configuration Software (ProCS™), which is Windows™ based, is used to define or change all adjustable parameters in the audio controller. No trimpots or dip switches! Also, units can be cloned or adjusted in the field without removal from the aircraft. This means that only one unit needs to be ordered to cover many different mission configurations. These features mean no more waiting (or paying) for customized units to be manufactured. Formal qualification testing has been successfully completed and CAN-TSO C-139 (technical standard order) has been granted by Transport Canada.  The JA95-001 uses newer technology, has more features and is lighter and less expensive than any comparable product on the market!

Of course, for Clarke and Ryan, it wasn’t all business.  They were able to squeeze a couple of hours in to relax and enjoy Vegas.

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

Las Vegas-Burns,OR-Pitt Meadows, B.C.

Well we made it! Long day in the airplane today, lots of zig zagging around restricted areas in Nevada. We had her up as high as 17,000 ft grounding 175 kts!

Some weather in Nevada but after that clear skies all the way home. It was warm enough to sit in t-shirts at the hangar and have a well deserved beer.

All in all a fantastic trip, 27 hours of flying and GSUZ ran perfectly. Once we get things sorted out I will do one last email with a summary and the best shots. Thanks everybody for reading this and your kind responses.

Cheers,
Steve & Missy

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

Alamos Mexico to Las Vegas

We had a fantastic time in the beautiful town of Alamos but our stay in the luxury Hacineda De Los Santos had to end. We had a short hop to Obregon so that we could officially depart Mexico (and pay our fees), if this sounds simple think again! 5 doors, 7 visits, and a whole bunch of stamping (and a some pesos) and we were good to go.

It’s really not a big deal just a process that takes time but they are really friendly. We were then off to Nogalos, Arizona, a small airport to clear customs.

The FBO owner personally opened up the kitchen and cooked us up some chicken. Next and final stop for the day was Las Vegas. A very busy approach but the controllers guided us in and we put down for the night.

Tomorrow fingers are crossed for Vancouver.

Steve & Missy

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

Well we had a great time in La Ventanna, some good days sailing, the others spent exploring and hanging with new and old friends.
Now we are off on Part 2! A bit of an explanation first. Milton and I were down in Palm Springs last fall at a aviation convention and there was a guy promoting his hotel/spa in Mexico with a discount. I booked 2 nights and then won a extra night in the presidential suite! This sounded good as it is rated as the number 4 hotel/spa in Mexico.

First lots of paperwork to get airborne out of La Paz and then an exciting flight over 60 miles of ocean (yes we had a raft just in case and some cold beers for survival). We arrived to the tiny town of Alamos which sits in the mountains and parked in a beautiful hangar decorated in authentic Mexican style( see pictures,all are of the hangar).Our ride was waiting and took us to the resort.

Well let me say this – Oh My God! This place is drop dead gorgeous and we were treated with our host standing at the door with Margaritas. We may never come home! If you pilot folks don’t come down here you are missing out on the most magnificent fly-I spot ever. Time to go grab a great dinner and see how many of the 500 types of tequila I can sample.

http://haciendadelossantos.com/site/

Cheers,
Steve

Leg 4 – La Paz, Mexico

We made it! Left Yuma early and had a spectacular flight down. It’s been a few years and I have forgotten how truly beautiful this flight down the Baja coastline is. To my pilot friends, this need to be on your bucket list!

We also now have a mid-air new best friend. Pretty funny actually, I heard him calling to San Felipe, he was southbound and as I was as well, I called my position report. We went on the special air-air frequency and he was behind me but catching up (Cessna 182 retractable). We chatted over the next hour as he slowly caught up and we learned he was originally from Ontario but now living in California. He is passionate about flying in the Baja and has been down a 100 times (flies down doctors). He did a close fly by for a photo shoot and we promised to communicate via email and perhaps meet up on the next trip. All in all a fantastic trip, the weather gods smiled on us, and SUZ performed well.

Adios amigos,Now it’s time for a well earned Margarita. We are here until the 27th and our friends Tom & Kathy arrive this Friday.Steve & Missy

Leg 3 – Yuma, AZ

Cruised at 13,500ft sipping oxygen from the cool Mountain High electronic pulse delivery system, flew right over top of Las Vegas, and we landed in Yuma before 5pm. If you haven’t noticed I’m talking about some of the cool technolgy recently put in SUZ, for my pilot friends. I love when technology works and like to pass on my findings on to other pilots; can’t say I would recommend my engine monitor, it’s been causing problems on the way down.

Anyway all is well, had a great rib dinner, and now prepping for our arrival procedure into Mexico tomorrow. If you look closely behind Missy you will see a couple F16′s taxing out!

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

Off to Hood River!

Leg 2

Off Hood River this morning with a bit of weather but it quickly cleared. We had a nice 3 hour flight to Elko Nevada while rocking on to XM music. The FBO ( El Aero) here is beautiful and a nice loaner car so we could go into town for lunch. I have to say the Americans really look after pilots down here. Canada could learn something. Off to Yuma, AZ next. Spot link now works.

You can track us at:
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0gZresblqm4QVY47IGIml0O3K3bjpuddc

Steve

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.