VERO BEACH, Fla., November 30, 2009 — Piper Aircraft today announced that it has certified and will offer as optional equipment the all-glass, fully-integrated Garmin G1000 avionics suite for the Piper Mirage and Piper Matrix aircraft. The expanded offering now extends deployment of the sophisticated avionics suite to all of Piper’s top-line, PA-46 aircraft.
“Our focus is on meeting and exceeding the wants and needs of our customers at every level,” said Piper President &CEO Kevin J. Gould. “With the G1000 now available for all PA-46 aircraft – the Piper Meridian, Piper Mirage and Piper Matrix – we are providing these remarkable aircraft with avionics that enable them to meet their full potential.”
“Meridian, Mirage and Matrix pilots will enjoy flying with the G1000 because it simplifies everything by making flight information easy to scan and process,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s Vice President of Marketing. “The integration of the GFC 700 with the G1000 is seamless, and pilots will be amazed at its rich feature set and high level of performance in handling the aircraft.”
The G1000 puts a wealth of data at the pilot’s fingertips with its glass flightdeck presenting flight instrumentation, navigation, communications, weather, terrain, traffic and engine data digitally on three large-format, high-resolution displays. The 15-inch MFD (multi-function display) is flanked by two 10.4-inch PFDs (primary flight displays). Behind the large, sunlight readable glass displays is a lightweight, modular design equipment rack that makes the system easy to install and maintain. Moreover, the system provides a safety-critical level of redundancy second to none.
Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) will also be offered as standard on all PA-46 aircraft when equipped with the G1000 option. SVT presents a 3D depiction of terrain, obstacles and traffic on the PFD so that the image replicates what pilots would see outside the cockpit on a clear day. SVT includes helpful features like a flight path marker (displays projected path of the aircraft), Pathways (Garmin’s implementation of highway-in-the-sky), and unique runway highlighting and airport signs.
“The G1000 takes our premier aircraft to a new level of performance,” said Dr. Dennis D. Olcott, Piper’s Vice President of Engineering. “The G1000 deployed in the Meridian – and now the Mirage and Matrix, as well -- with sophisticated avionics that give pilots the feel and capabilities that are experienced in larger, business-class aircraft.”
In addition to other available options on each aircraft, the G1000 avionics on the PA-46 include, but are not limited to, features that increase safety of flight and enhance situational awareness:
• GFC 700 three-axis, fully digital, dual channel, fail passive automatic flight control system with autopilot mode controller
• Dual integrated radio modules that provide WAAS certified IFR oceanic-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing
• Dual solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts
• Dual digital air-data computers
• Mode S transponder with Traffic Information Service
• Digital audio control system
• Alpha-numeric keypad that allows pilots to perform virtually all MFD functions
• Full reversionary capabilities, allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display for added safety during flight
• Optional Enhanced Situational Awareness Package, including KTA 870 Traffic Advisory System (TAS), Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), and WX-500 Stormscope
• Optional GDL 69A™ satellite weather datalink and digital-quality audio via XM WX Satellite Weather™ (Service available to U.S. customers with an XM subscription)
• Optional GWX 68 Weather Radar
Also available as standard are Garmin’s SafeTaxi™ and FliteCharts™. SafeTaxi™ is a built-in database of over 950 U.S. airport diagrams that provide the capability to view aircraft position on taxiways. FliteCharts™ is an electronic version of the Departure Procedures, Standard Terminal Arrival Routes, approach charts and airport diagrams, and may be viewed directly on the MFD. Garmin ChartView™ is available as an option and it helps simplify operations, enhances situational awareness and increases safety during flight. With ChartView™, the aircraft’s position is overlaid on an electronic version of Jeppesen’s charts and airport diagrams.
The Meridian, Mirage and Matrix currently feature Avidyne’s advanced glass avionics suite, the FlightMax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck, as standard equipment, as do Seneca V, the Saratoga II TC and Piper 6X. All other Piper models offer the Avidyne system as optional equipment.
“By adding Garmin’s G1000 to all of the PA-46 series of aircraft, we are providing our customers with a wider array of options than they have ever had on our flagship aircraft,” said Gould. “These technological innovations are another example of our commitment to providing our customers with the very best technology available – a commitment that stands as a cornerstone of the Piper experience.”
About Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. Piper’s rich legacy is born of 72 years of unparalleled history, with almost 150,000 aircraft brought to market and more than 160 models certified. Approximately 90,000 of those aircraft are still flying and being serviced and supported on every continent by Piper’s 65 service centers, 40 dealers and 2,500 field personnel. Piper is the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer aircraft for every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use, to turbine powered business aircraft and now the PiperJet. For more information about Piper Aircraft and to find an authorized service center near you, please visit www.piper.com.
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For further information about Piper Aircraft, contact:
Mark S. Miller
Chief Corporate Spokesperson
(772) 299-2900
Fax: (772) 978-6597
mark.miller@piper.com
For additional information or questions about
the general aviation industry, contact the
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
(202) 393-1500
www.gama.aero
