Pilatus Centre Canada wins STC for Pilatus PC-12 high-definition enhanced vision system
THUNDER BAY, Ontario, 19 Aug. 2014.Pilatus Centre Canada (PCC), in association with Northeast Engineering & Development Ltd., has received a Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the new Pilatus PC-12 Enhanced Vision System (EVS).
At the heart of the system sits the Lexavia LFS6000 EVS Sensor, a lightweight and aerodynamic EVS sensor available in 320x240 or 640x480 resolution for providing real-time, enhanced vision capability during darkness, smoke, bad weather, and other limited visibility situations. The device enables pilots to better identify terrain, structures, vehicles, and other aircraft on and near runways, offering added situational awareness and increased safety, officials say. The sensor is situated on the aircraft to deliver a “pilot’s point of view.”
“When choosing our equipment provider, the compact size, exceptional performance, and ease of installation of Lexavia’s sensor made our decision an easy one,” describes Steve Davey, PCC’s executive vice president and COO. “This is an affordable solution for PC-12 owners and operators who want the safety benefits that an enhanced vision system provides.”
PCC’s STC currently applies to the Next Generation (NG) PC-12 model, using the factory-installed Honeywell APEX MFD and optional video input system. The second issue of the STC (pending) will add Legacy PC-12 models that are previously or concurrently equipped with compatible MFDs.
“PC-12s fitted with the appropriate OEM equipment and MFDs can be equipped with our EVS system, including parts and labour, for between $51K and $69K USD, depending on the customer’s choice of sensor and controller. Installation is relatively simple with minimal alteration of the aircraft,” Davey adds.
FAA and EASA STCs are pending approval and estimated for 4Q14 and 1Q15, respectively.
Pilatus Centre Canada is the exclusive Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Centre for Canada, specializing in Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 sales, leasing, and service. Pilatus Centre Canada also provides a wide range of general aviation services including line & heavy maintenance, modification & certification, operational consulting, pre-owned aircraft brokerage, and aircraft import/export. www.PILATUSCANADA.com
Lexavia, headquartered in Gulf Breeze, Fla., is dedicated to the design, development, production, and testing of advanced avionics and sensors. Focusing on systems design, manufacturing and support, Lexavia offers fully integrated or complete standalone systems. With 19 modes of EVS products, spanning a broad range of technologies, Lexavia offers the best solution for all aviation sensor needs for fixed- as well as rotary-wing aircraft. www.lexavia.com
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.