Approach Aviation Readies Shipments of 'FlexAlert' Annunciator

Instrument provider Approach Aviation has obtained FAA approval of its FlexAlert multifunction annunciator, which begins shipping next month.

Featuring a sunlight-readable, dimmable LED display, FlexAlert places critical warning and condition annunciations directly in front of a pilot. Approach Aviation, of Marlborough, Mass., says its photon-separator LED display technology is significantly brighter and more reliable than incandescent lamps.

FlexAlert provides indications for landing gear status of both land and seaplanes, as well as warning indicators 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.

“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 Jeff Simon, Approach Aviation president. “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.”

The FlexAlert is compact enough to fit most instrument panels, and can operate on 14V or 28V aircraft systems with no modifications, according to Approach Aviation. It is certified for installation in Part 23 aircraft as a minor alteration when used for supplemental purposes.

Installing FlexAlert, the company said, can save more than $1,000 and 50 percent of the installation time compared to individual and customized annunciators due to FlexAlert’s patent-pending “Single-Wire Sense” technology.

FlexAlert shipments begin August 1 at the introductory price of $699. The annunciator can be purchased directly from Approach Aviation or from avionics retailers including Aircraft Spruce, Gulf Coast Avionics and Pacific Coast Avionics.