Albuquerque, NM, January 17, 2012: Aspen Avionics is pleased to announce the availability of a new terrain database from Jeppesen for Aspen’s Evolution Flight Display product line. This new database improves the resolution of the terrain data used in the Evolution System and offers an improved customer experience for the Evolution MFD, notably in markets outside of the United States. In addition, this database resolves some limitations experienced by some Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) customers, and expands the ESV operation area beyond the borders of the continental United States to provide full worldwide ESV coverage.

The one-time terrain database upgrade is free for Aspen customers with active Jeppesen data subscriptions and will automatically appear in their Jeppesen Service Update Manager (JSUM) account beginning January 16, 2012. A customer memo has been sent to all registered Aspen customers and dealers with details on how to access the updated terrain file.

For more information on the new Jeppesen terrain database, please click here to visit Aspen’s database FAQ web page.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.

Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

About the Evolution Flight Display System

The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradeable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit.

PDF version of press release

Albuquerque, NM, January 17, 2012: Aspen Avionics announced today the availability of an improved Jeppesen terrain database that expands the Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) operation area to regions outside of the continental United States. The new terrain database significantly improves terrain data resolution in virtually all operating areas, enabling the Evolution System to display synthetic vision most everywhere Aspen customers fly.

“We are pleased that ESV is now available for our international customers, enabling them to enjoy the benefits offered by synthetic vision. ESV’s 3D terrain and traffic, plus the built-in terrain warning system, are indispensable tools that improve pilot situational awareness and enhance safety,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing. “Aspen continues to deliver on our promise of making the most advanced technology accessible to aircraft operators all over the world.”

Evolution Synthetic Vision may be added to PFDs and MFDs with an easy software upgrade that can be completed at any Aspen authorized dealer. For new customers, ESV can be added as an option at the time of purchase.

ESV is immediately available for N-registered aircraft operating around the world, and in all international jurisdictions that accept FAA approvals. For aircraft registered in EASA member states, ESV ETSO approval is currently in process and isexpected in the first quarter of 2012. EASA STCs corresponding to specific aircraft makes and models held by various EASA Design Organization Approval Holders are expected to be amended throughout 2012 to add ESV capability. Customers are encouraged to check with their Aspen authorized dealer for upgrade eligibility.

For more information on the new Jeppesen terrain database and the release of international ESV, please click here to visit Aspen’s database FAQ web page.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.

Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

About the Evolution Flight Display System

The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradeable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit.

PDF version of press release

Albuquerque, NM, November 23, 2011: Members of the Southwest Secondary Learning Center (SSLC) visited Aspen Avionics last week, and received a tour of the facility and an introduction to available career paths in the aerospace industry.

“The SSLC currently has 280 students enrolled and 40 of them are participating in the AERO AV8R (Aeronautical Education & Research Opportunities) program,” says Lee Truitt, SSLC’s Flight School Coordinator. “The students who are participating in this program all have the eventual goal of becoming private pilots. Exposing the students to real-world, aviation related companies like Aspen Avionics allows them to see what career paths are available in the field of aerospace.”

The students who visited Aspen last Friday toured the testing and manufacturing areas of the company. They were also given the opportunity to meet and speak with employees from the intern level all the way up to executive level staff. For the students, the most popular part of the visit was the hands-on experience of flying the Aspen Evolution Flight Display system on a simulator.

“We enjoy the opportunity to not only support a local Albuquerque program, but we also appreciate the opportunity to inspire and encourage young people to pursue their passion for aviation,” says John Uczekaj, Aspen’s President and CEO. “At Aspen, the students can see that there are many roles that need to be filled in a technology company, not only being an engineer or a pilot, but also marketing, customer service, and operational leadership roles.”

About Southwest Learning Centers

Albuquerque-based Southwest Learning Centers is a group of three charter schools (Southwest Secondary, Southwest Intermediate, and Southwest Primary) whose mission is to prepare students in grades 4-12 to become self-motivated, independent, competent, life-long learners. The school strives to equip its students with the reading, writing, mathematical, technological and problem solving skills necessary for success in post-secondary education and personal career choices. Southwest Learning Centers is one of a handful of schools across the nation that offers their students the opportunity to earn a Private Pilot Certificate in addition to a high school diploma through their AERO (Aeronautical Education and Research Opportunities) AV8R program.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.

Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation and helicopter cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

PDF version of press release

“Aspen continues to invest in future products, and in order to accommodate the increase in product testing we are expanding our flight test facilities,” says Aspen Avionics President and CEO John Uczekaj. “Double Eagle is an ideal GA airport for our testing activities and the larger facility will be key to supporting Aspen’s growing product portfolio.”

Prior to leasing the new facility, Aspen’s flight test group operated out of a standard T-hangar at Albuquerque’s Sunport International (ABQ) airport.

Double Eagle II Airport has two runways: 17-35 is 6,000 feet and 4-22 is 7,400 feet with a full-scale Instrument Landing System. The airport is at an elevation of 5,834 feet above sea level.

The company headquarters continue to be located at 5001 Indian School Road NE in a 23,000-square foot building in Albuquerque’s TechCommons Business Center.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.

Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

About the Evolution Flight Display System

The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradeable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit.

PDF version of press release

Albuquerque, NM, September 22, 2011: Aspen Avionics announced today that Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) is now shipping for PFDs and MFDs installed on Class I and II aircraft operating within the continental United States. Previously announced as coming later this year, the MFD ESV solution for Class III aircraft is also now available. Owners and operators with a Class III Evolution 1500, 2000, or 2500 flight display installation can enable ESV on their MFD(s). Evolution Synthetic Vision display on the Level B PFD is expected for release next year.

Evolution Synthetic Vision is available with Software Version 2.4.1 (and later) as a field-loadable software upgrade through Aspen’s authorized dealer network. The price for enabling ESV is $2995, which, for a limited time, includes ESV activation on up to two Aspen MFDs when purchased for a PFD. The price for enabling ESV on MFDs installed in Class III aircraft is also $2995.

“We opened the order books at the beginning of September in anticipation of this approval, and we now have a significant order backlog,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing. Hayden adds, “Our customers understand the safety and situational awareness benefits of synthetic vision and we know they are eager to take advantage of this system enhancement.”

Evolution Software Version 2.4.1 not only enables Aspen’s synthetic vision, but it also brings improvements to the standard MFD nav and terrain map depictions of relative terrain in the airport environment. Obstacle data is also enhanced by extension of the range at which obstacles are shown. Blue obstacle icons have been added to the existing red and yellow symbols to show obstacles that are between 500 feet and 2500 feet below the aircraft. Customers have the option to take advantage of the Software Version 2.4.1 upgrade free of charge (installation fees may apply) without enabling synthetic vision.

The current Jeppesen database coverage enables ESV over the continental United States, and a planned Jeppesen terrain database update later this year will expand the ESV operating area to full world-wide coverage. The release of ESV for helicopter customers is planned to occur later this year, to be initially available on the MFD. For existing customers, Evolution Synthetic Vision can be added to their PFDs and MFDs with an easy software upgrade that can be completed at any Aspen authorized dealer. For new customers, ESV can be added as an option at the time of purchase.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.
Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

About the Evolution Flight Display System
The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradeable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft and rotorcraft platforms. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit.

PDF version of the press release

Albuquerque, NM, September 22, 2011: Aspen Avionics announced today that Connected Panel™, an innovative new technology that wirelessly links mobile devices to certified avionics, will be compatible with the Garmin® GNS 400W/500W series navigators when Connected Panel™ is released at the end of the year. With this new capability, Connected Panel Enabled™ applications will be able to synchronize and cross-fill flight plan data from the Apple iPad to the Garmin® GNS navigators. This new functionality will be demonstrated this week in the Aspen booth #311 at AOPA Summit in Hartford, CT.

Aspen’s patent-pending line of Connected Panel™ products seamlessly integrates aviation application data from personal handheld devices with the certified avionics installed in an aircraft’s panel. This technology is enabled via Aspen’s Evolution Flight Displays, which are interoperable with a wide variety of avionics equipment that exist within the general aviation aircraft fleet.

“Aspen’s Evolution Flight Displays are compatible with a variety of new and legacy avionics products from multiple manufacturers, making Evolution a natural networker of flight data. Connected Panel leverages this interoperability to allow mobile devices to communicate with onboard systems in real time,” says Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing, Brad Hayden. “All or part of Connected Panel functionality will be available for new and legacy GPS navigators, depending upon its ability to transmit and receive data. For example, the Bendix/King by Honeywell KSN 770Nav/Com/GPS will be fully integrated with Connected, with functionality such as Com radio tuning from the iPad, that may not be available to other avionics that weren’t designed with the Connected Panel architecture in mind.”

The Connected Panel™ program was launched at EAA AirVenture 2011. Since then, Aspen has continued to add Connected Panel™ application and avionics partners to the group of ten Launch Partners that kicked off the program in July. The newest partners include: Avidyne, Coradine Aviation Systems, Digital Sectional, Hilton Software, and iFlightplanner.com. A list of the current Connected Panel Enabled™ partners is available at www.connectedpanel.com/partners.

Aspen is on track to release the Application Programming Interface (API) to individual developers and partners at the end of September. Interested development partners can find out more information by visiting www.connectedpanel.com/faq.

Connected™ Pilot, the first product in the Connected Panel™ product line, is scheduled for an end of year release. Connected™ Pilot is comprised of hardware and software components that can be integrated with an Aspen Evolution 1500, 2000 or 2500 flight display system.

For more information about Connected Panel™, visit www.connectedpanel.com.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.
Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

PDF version of the press release

Albuquerque, NM, September 1, 2011: Aspen Avionics announced today the Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval of Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) for Evolution Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs). Evolution Synthetic Vision is enabled by Software Version 2.4.x, which will be available upon Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. FAA STC approval of ESV is imminent and shipment availability is expected to be mid-September 2011.

This field-loadable software upgrade is now available through Aspen’s authorized dealer network for $2995, which for a limited time includes ESV on up to two additional Aspen displays when purchased for the first display (up to three displays per aircraft).

“Aspen’s industry-leading high-resolution display renders a crisp, clear, easy-to-read synthetic vision view that works very well with our display format. Customers who fly with Evolution Synthetic Vision will be impressed by the wealth of information that can be interpreted at a glance,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing. He adds, “Like the entire Evolution system, Aspen’s synthetic vision provides a level of flexibility not found in competing offerings.”

Evolution Synthetic Vision includes all of the features aircraft operators expect of synthetic vision systems, including 3D terrain and obstacles, unusual attitude guidance, distance line and range marker, 3D dynamic traffic display (with optionalsensors and EHA software), flight path marker and flight director symbology. These display elements are all designed to interact dynamically and intuitively to give the pilot the most accurate positional and situational awareness.

“Aspen’s ESV will give our customer’s additional enhanced awareness,” says John Uczekaj, Aspen’s President and CEO. “The Terrain Warning System and 3D traffic are invaluable tools to the pilot operating in congested terminal airspaces, reduced visibility conditions, or in mountainous terrain. Aspen’s ESV is yet another technology our company has developed to help make General Aviation flying easier and safer at an affordable price.”

Unique to Evolution Synthetic Vision is the ability to customize the display layout to suit individual preferences, including the flexibility to toggle different fields of view between narrow or wide, to best suit the phase of flight. The wide field of view is suited for enroute, while the narrow field of view is best for zooming in on the approach environment. Evolution Synthetic Vision can also be displayed in any of the available window configurations—full screen, split screen, or thumbnail layouts—and on the Primary Flight Display, the Multi-function Flight Display, or
both.

Another significant capability provided with Aspen’s ESV is a built-in Terrain Warning System (TWS). Combining the use of synthetic vision terrain coloring, flight path marker coloring, caution and warning text annunciations, and a cockpit terrain audio warning signal, the Terrain Warning System alerts the pilot when terrain or obstacle conflict is imminent. For operations in the terminal area, the TWS employs intelligent alerting logic that suppresses alerts for terrain proximity that is expected and normal during this phase of flight, minimizing nuisance alerting and further increasing safety and reducing pilot workload during critical phases of flight.

The initial release of ESV will cover the continental United States. ESV coverage for the rest of the world will be available later this year. The initial release of ESV for Class III and Helicopter customers will also occur later this year and will be available on the MFD. ESV display on the level B PFD is expected to be released late 2012.

For existing customers, Evolution Synthetic Vision can be added to their PFDs and MFDs with an easy software upgrade that can be completed at any Aspen authorized dealer. For new customers, ESV can be added as an option at the time of purchase. Customers are encouraged to place their orders for Evolution Synthetic Vision with an authorized dealer today. For a full list of Aspen dealers, please visit: http://www.aspenavionics.com/index.php/where-to-buy/

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.

Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own.

About the Evolution Flight Display System

The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradeable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft and rotorcraft platforms. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit.

PDF version of press release