22 September 2011
Aspen Avionics’ Evolution Synthetic Vision Now Shipping

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). Click here to read the full media release.

01 September 2011
Evolution Synthetic Vision Receives TSO Approval

Aspen is pleased to announce that the order book is open for Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV). We have received Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval of 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).

Click here to read the full news release

Click here to find an authorized dealer

04 August 2011
Evolution Synthetic Vision Now in Formal Compliance

Aspen is pleased to update you on our progress with Evolution Synthetic Vision. We are now performing the formal software and human factors compliance testing required for FAA approval, which means that the final FAA reviews of the certification paperwork and final flight tests of the Synthetic Vision product are underway. This approval process should take 30 days or less to complete, with STC issuance closing out the process. We will begin shipping Evolution Synthetic Vision immediately upon receipt of STC approval.

29 July 2011
Evolution Software Version 2.3.1 and ACU2 Now Available

Evolution Software Version 2.3.1 has received FAA TSO and STC approval. This latest software release adds many features and refinements to both Evolution Primary and Multi-function Flight Displays, and expands the number of supported third party interfaces with the new ACU2 analog converter option. These capabilities are now shipping for both new orders and for retrofit into existing Aspen flight display installations.

Below are links to the Pilot Guide Addenda that describe the enhancements in detail.

This upgrade is considered optional, unless you are upgrading to the new ACU2, then it is mandatory.

Pilot’s Guide Addendum, EFD1000 PFD software version 2.3.1 Rev ( ) [pdf]

Pilot’s Guide Addendum, EFD500/1000 and EFD500H/1000H MFD software version 2.3.1 Rev ( ) [pdf]

Click here to read the full media announcement.

12 July 2011
Evolution Synthetic Vision Update

Aspen Avionics is pleased to announce that we are nearly complete with development and certification of Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV), with the product now in the final stages of FAA certification. This project has taken a little longer than anticipated as we have worked to incorporate feedback and suggestions from both the FAA and other Synthetic Vision and Human Factors experts. We are confident that the wait will be worthwhile as Aspen’s ESV will offer a level of flexibility and capability unique from other synthetic vision technologies on the market.

Although FAA certification can sometimes be imprecise, especially when it comes to innovative new capabilities like those offered with Evolution Synthetic Vision, we are optimistic that we will soon be able to deliver additional information that you can use for planning purposes.

We will post progress updates to this RSS-enabled Evolution Tracking web page as they become available, with our next update expected by the end of July.

29 June 2011
Aspen Avionics Announces Eurocopter AS350 STC Approval

Modern glass panel technology increases mission safety

Aspen Avionics and United Rotorcraft Solutions announce the FAA approval of the Supplemental Type Certificate for installation of the Aspen Evolution Flight Display System on the Eurocopter AS350 model helicopter. Click here to read the full press release.

17 December 2010
Aspen Avionics Evolution Software Version 2.2.3 for Flight Displays Now Available

Aspen Avionics is pleased to announce the availability of software version 2.2.3 for the Evolution Flight Display product family. This update is applicable for PFD and MFD products on the EFD1000, EFD1000 C3, and EFD500 hardware platforms.

Evolution software version 2.2.3 adds several improvements that will enhance overall user experience. This is an optional update that is available to Aspen customers through our authorized dealer network and will ship standard with all new Evolution Flight Display products.

The highlights of this update include:

• Larger fonts on the PFD for display of: airspeed and altitude bug, tape and drum values, baro setting, selected heading and course, data bar TAS, GS and OAT.
• Operator configured PFD traffic overlay settings are now retained after an EFD on/off power cycle.
• Minor enhancements to improve system robustness and reliability.

Click here to view a comparison of version 2.x fonts versus larger version 2.2.3 fonts (animated gif).

We encourage you to schedule time with your avionics shop to install this system enhancement provided free of charge* from Aspen. Click here to find an authorized dealer near you.

We are continually incorporating product enhancements to the Evolution Flight Display System to introduce new features and functionality, improve the user experience, or improve performance—the majority of which is based on customer feedback so please keep it coming!
 

*Dealer installation charges may apply

08 October 2010
Aspen Avionics’ EA100 Adapter Available as Evolution System Upgrade

The EA100 Adapter for attitude-based autopilot systems is certified and available now. The EA100 provides a digital-to-analog data conversion between the EFD1000 and an aircraft’s attitude-based autopilot system. The adapter enables the Evolution Flight Display’s AHRS to provide accurate and reliable attitude information directly to the autopilot. Aspen customers now have the option to remove aging (and expensive) legacy attitude mechanical gyros when they install Evolution Flight Display Systems. Click here for details.

27 July 2010
Geo-referenced Approach Plates Now on Evolution MFDs

Aspen Avionics and Seattle Avionics Software announce the that geo-referencing – the display of the aircraft’s relative position on navigation charts – is now available on all instrument approach procedures and airport diagrams displayed on Aspen’s EFD1000 and EFD500 Multi-function Flight Display (MFD) products.  Click here for details.

07 July 2010
Aspen Avionics Achieves Certification for Class III Primary Flight Display

Aspen Avionics announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization for the Evolution EFD1000C3 Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) for Class III aircraft. The already robust Evolution Software now meets the Level B assurance levels required for FAR Part 23 Class III aircraft, making the increased safety, reliability and functionality of the Evolution Displays available to operators of piston and turbine aircraft weighing between 6,000 and 12,500 pounds. Aircraft owners can install the newly certified EFD1000C3 Pro PFD independently, or in combination with the popular Evolution Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) to fit their particular flight mission needs and budgets.

Read the Press Release

28 April 2010
Aspen Avionics Version 2.2 Evolution Software for Flight Displays Now Available

The bulk of the new features for this software release are MFD related. Features include: The full suite of AeroNav (formerly NACO) charts and geo-referenced airport diagrams, new Nav Map panning functionality, and improved Info selection.

The Version 2.2 Evolution Software upgrade is available to Aspen customers through our authorized dealer network and will ship standard with all new Evolution Flight Display products. The upgrade is free of charge from Aspen, however dealer installation fees may apply. Click on the links below to check out the full-color Version 2.2 Pilot’s Guide Addenda.

Our goal is to constantly improve and upgrade the investment you have made in your Aspen equipment. It is an ongoing process and we thank you for your continued support!

Pilot’s Guide Addendum, EFD1000 PFD SW v2.2, 091-00017-001 ( ) [pdf]

Pilot’s Guide Addendum, EFD1000/500 MFD SW v2.2, 091-00017-002 ( ) [pdf]

23 April 2010
Aspen Avionics Announces Packaged Evolution Flight Display Systems

The rollout of these new product packages, comprised of combinations of Evolution Flight Displays, makes it even easier to choose the retrofit glass display configuration that will meet your specific needs. The packages are being rolled out in conjunction with an attractive customer rebate, making the purchase of the new Aspen packages an even bigger value. Cost incentives are also in place for the purchase of a single Evolution 1000 Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) or an Evolution 1000 Multi-Function Display (MFD).

Read the Press Release

30 March 2010
Aspen Avionics and Seattle Avionics Software Partner on Charts

Aspen Avionics, Inc., manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display System, and Seattle Avionics Software, developer of cutting-edge aviation software and data solutions, announce their partnership to develop a certified chart application for Aspen’s Evolution Flight Display System. The new chart and geo-referenced airport diagram capabilities will be a standard feature in Aspen’s Multi-Function Display (MFD) products, and available via upgrade for Evolution displays already installed in customers’ airplanes.

Read the Press Release

16 February 2010
Aspen Avionics Announces Bell Helicopter STC

Aspen Avionics, Inc., manufacturer of the award-winning Evolution Flight Display System, announces the approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the Aspen EFD1000H into the Bell 206 and Bell 407 model helicopters.  This STC was developed in partnership with Keystone Helicopters.

Read the Press Release

07 January 2010
Aspen Avionics Announces Release of Version 2.1 Software Upgrade Kit for Evolution Flight Displays

Aspen Avionics, Inc. announced that a new version 2.1 software upgrade kit for the Aspen EFD1000 Primary Flight Display and the EFD1000/EFD500 Multi-Function Display is now available through its authorized dealers. This latest upgrade includes enhancements to the panning functions, navigation map and auto-ranging features of the Evolution Flight Displays.

Read the Press Release