Shipping Special IFD540s in Feb

We have revised the definition of our IFD540 Pilot Program and have decided that we will start shipping pre-TSO equipment to those interested and "qualified" starting in very early Feb.

These pre-TSO units are built exactly the same way as the certified units - same hardware, same software, same level of testing, etc.  They just haven't received the official TSO and STC stamps of approval yet.

This will have several benefits to all of us.  For example, we will have field experience in non-Avidyne aircraft being installed by avioinics shops around the country - exactly what I was trying to accomplish through the previously defined Pilot Program (see that thread on this forum for more background). Our factory and service center and all the product support mechanisms will officially start now.  Our Tech Support crew will all be up to speed now.  And so on and so on.     This *should* serve as a great risk reduction for all early adopters and decrease the time to install for everyone.  Originally, I had planned on a 3-5 week Pilot Program after cert.  This should mean that the day after cert, we can start shipping at a high rate.

Since this equipment is not yet TSO'd, it's only appropriate to install in Experimental Aircraft.   "Qualified" participants are those who are flying Experimental aircraft, base the airplanes in the Continental US (Alaska and Canada may also work), and will be ready to install the units in your aircraft and start flying as soon as we start shipping them in early Feb.  In addition, I'm holding the line that these airplanes are pure "plug and play" capable meaning you're already got WAAS antennas installed and a wired tray that houses a Garmin 530W.

We have some commercial terms to still figure out (they will be very advantageous to the participants) but I'd like to solicit a new crop of volunteers given this new definition and the criteria we're looking for.  If you think you meet that criteria, and are interested in learning more or participating, please send me a direct email at sjacobson@avidyne.com

Why are you just limiting this to experimental aircraft only?  I know operators that fly part 125 on Monday, experimental on Tuesday, part 125 the rest of the week.  I really don't think its a big deal for someone will to go on an experimental ticket for a few weeks if you know exactly how to restore your aircraft back to its cert basis.  so if you have customers willing to do that, you should include them.

I don't understand the "experimental" ticket thing.

Steve:

The first two pre-TSO IFD540s have been installed in customer aircraft.  Another handful get installed in the next week or so.