Avionics consist of radio's, transponders, GPS systems and emergency beacons. Nowadays most aircraft kit builders will install glass panels as this saves weight, looks very good and they are becoming cheaper by the day. Some, if not all, EFIS systems can be connected to separate GPS receivers and can drive the autopilot. Leaving the pilot to look outside!
Though not complete we have gathered information about these electronic aviation gadgets. Using the buttons below will guide you to those sections.
Glass Cockpits, EFIS |
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These are the LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays) screens we see in most new airplanes. Totally black when powered off, but they do attract the attention when lit up. Most manufacturers sell low level entry systems for small budget pilots to fully fledged and equipped systems with integrated radio's, transponders and much more. We discuss the components used in a standard EFIS system found on most aircraft. |
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Avionics Manufacturers |
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There are so many EFIS and glass cockpit manufacturers today, on these pages we have selected a few of them interesting enough for the experimental or LSA market. |
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Distress Beacons |
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These small devices are designed to withstand the impact forces of a crash and are self supporting due to the battery installed within. Some years ago the satellite system used to monitor the emergency frequencies has stopped monitoring 121.5 MHz, although the beacons still use this frequency to transmit a homing signal. |
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Radar Transponders |
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These little devices transmit a reply when interrogated by a ground radar station, this reply is then presented on an electronic screen. The radar controller uses this to separate aircraft and guides them to and from airports. You will also find information about Mode S transponders as these devices are becoming more and more required by law. |
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Radio & GPS Navigation |
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Flying from point a to b requires the pilot to navigate, sometimes it's easy by just following a highway or railroad. But often times the pilot uses radio navigation by receiving signals from a special radio ground station or satellites above the Earth. Although it's perfectly legal to use these modern systems, it pays if the pilot is still able and proficient in flying by map and compass. |
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Experimental Aircraft Info
