MAXCRAFT AVIONICS ANNOUNCES A PARTNERSHIP WITH AIR TINDI FOR FLIGHTDECK MODERNIZATION OF THEIR DASH 7 FLEET OF
AIRCRAFT
Transforming a legacy instrument panel of a capable airframe to a state-of-the-art glass flightdeck
(Yellowknife, NWT at NATA Conference) April 30, 2024 – Maxcraft Avionics Ltd, one of the largest avionics facilities in Canada, has teamed up with Air Tindi to retrofit their DHC-7 fleet of aircraft with a Garmin Flightdeck suite consisting of:
- Dual Garmin G700TXi Primary Flight Displays
- Dual GTN 750Xi GPS/Nav/Com/MFDs
- Dual GTX3000 ADS-B diversity transponders
- GTS8000 TCAS II correlated traffic
- GWX75 weather radar
- TAWS-A terrain awareness
- Dual GDC7400 air data computers
- Dual GRS7800 precision attitude heading reference systems
- Collins ALT-4000 radar altimeters
The Dash 7 first flew in 1975 with 113 aircraft built as a 4-engine turboprop regional airliner with STOL performance. This program will greatly extend the operational life of Air Tindi’s DHC-7 fleet, with reduced maintenance costs, enhanced situational awareness and substantial weight savings.
Importantly, Maxcraft has listened to many Northern operators requiring a solution for dealing with limitations of magnetic compass referenced operations. Maxcraft liaised with Garmin to provide a “DG Free Mode”on the Garmin suite that allows operations North of 65 degrees latitude. This feature was instrumental in Air Tindi’s decision to go with a Garmin Flightdeck and will be equally valuable to other operators requiring Free-Gyro Mode operations. Maxcraft’s Design Approval Organization (DAO) is developing the integrated design package and the required STC approvals for this platform. Target for completion of the first aircraft including certification is Q4, 2024.
“The DeHavilland DHC-7’s are true workhorses; with this flightdeck modernization program, we are delivering system reliability and improved functionality to the pilots,” stated Daryl MacIntosh, President of Maxcraft Avionics. “The additional connectivity to a multitude of avionics in the cockpit increases situational awareness and redundancy,” added Daryl.
According to Air Tindi, CEO, Chris Reynolds, “Maxcraft has been working with us for the last year to find the right solution for us. We anticipate significant benefits with this retrofit and are pleased to partner with Maxcraft on this initiative.”
About Maxcraft Avionics Ltd.
Maxcraft specializes in avionics system design, installation, and maintenance serving Business Aviation, Police/EMS, Commercial and Special Mission operators for fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms. In addition to certification as an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO), Maxcraft is also certified as a Design Approval Organization (DAO) in Canada. For over 35 years their team has provided operators/partners worldwide with unique and fully approved avionics solutions.
About Air Tindi
Over 35 years, Air Tindi has established itself as a core part of Northern Canada, operating from their base in Yellowknife, NWT. Air Tindi is dedicated to serving the unique needs of Northern Canada, offering vital connections not only to remote communities but also to a diverse range of customers. With a diverse fleet of aircraft, including six Dash 7s, Air Tindi is committed to continuously investing in and enhancing their aircraft to ensure the highest standards of service and reliability. Their operations encompass daily scheduled flights, Air Ambulance services, and tailored charter flights catering to various sectors including mining, tourism, and government. At Air Tindi, every flight is a step towards strengthening the bonds and meeting the needs of the communities and customers they proudly serve.
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Media Contact:
Joanna Miles
Maxcraft Avionics Ltd
joanna@maxcraft.ca
604-465-3080 ext 221
