At AirVenture 2017, Massachusetts-based Approach Aviation announced FAA approval and production shipment of its FlexAlert multifunction panel annunciator.
The LED display, compatible with both land and seaplanes, gives pilot warnings for engine, oil pressure, fuel pressure, low fuel, pitot heat, low voltage, over voltage, alternator failure, doors, starter engaged, vacuum failure and autopilot glideslope capture, as well as landing gear status.
Compared to competing individual or customized annunciators, Approach Aviation claims the FlexAlert multifunction annunciator can save over $1000 and 50 percent of installation time. The LED display is also significantly brighter and more reliable than a traditional incandescent lamp.
The FlexAlert multifunction annunciator measures 3.0 by 1.3 inches, making it compatible for easy retrofit in almost any panel. It is certified for Part 23 aircraft as a minor alteration, but only when used for supplemental purposes and not primary. It is configurable out of the box for both retractable and fixed-gear aircraft, and the kit includes flush panel mounting bracket options.
“The Aviation Safety Reporting System receives an average of 60 gear-up landing reports per year and one of the factors responsible for these incidents is the lack of clear visual annunciation in the pilot’s field of view,” said Approach Aviation President Jeff Simon. “The FlexAlert multifunction annunciator consolidates gear status, as well as many other critical alerts, directly in front of the pilot and with the clarity one should expect of modern avionics. It’s a great addition when upgrading ADS-B or as a standalone flight-safety enhancement.”
FlexAlert multifunction annunciators are currently being sold at the special introductory price of $699. Shipments will begin Aug. 1, 2017, and can be purchased directly from Approach Aviation at FlexAlertAero.com, or from select avionics retailers.
