After a major modernization project of four Socata TB 9 aircraft for the Aviation Training Center of Rzeszów University of Technology, we established cooperation with another Technical University and its pilots training unit – Aviation Training Center of the Poznań University of Technology. The cooperation resulted in the modernization of aerobatic ZLIN aircraft, used by the ŻELANY Aerobatic Group.
During this modernization, we used the ready-made Minor Change documentation approval for the Garmin equipment, which consisted of:
• Audio Panel GMA 342 read more,
• NAV/COM/GPS GTN 650 read more,
• G5 Electronic Attitude Indicator read more,
• G5 Electronic HSI with GAD 29B adapter and GMU 11 magnetometer.
It is important to note that the modernization did not require reconstruction of the instrument panel, as the Garmin G5 navigation indicators were designed to be easily adapted to the mounting holes of the classic artificial horizon and the classic electric Directional Gyro, thus creating the so-called EFIS system or a small glasscockpit. The lower G5 indicator, due to its HSI function (Horizontal Situation Indicator) required communication interface with the NAV / GPS receiver and magnetometer, i.e. GAD 29B adapter, which has the ability to convert ARINC 429 bus signals to the CAN bus (data bus used for a long time in electronics for the automotive industry).
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The previous aircraft equipment included classic pilot devices, one GTR 225A Comm radio and Sigtronics SPA- 400 intercom (two-seats), which was disassembled and replaced with GMA 342 audio management system with a built-in intercom and a marker receiver. Disassembled classic instruments were transferred to the instrument panel on the right side, because it was factory- prepared for this.
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With the modernization, the plane received a certified GPS system with a touch screen, a navigation receiver with ILS system and multifunctional pilot indicators, which in addition to the basic tasks of the artificial horizon and heading indicator, provide digital information on speed, flight altitude, vertical speed and display information about turns. The whole set, apart from the power supply from the on-board installation, is equipped with batteries that support all functions up to 6h in the event of a power failure.
In addition, the installation was made in a way that allows importing and displaying data from one indicator to another in case of failure of one of them.
