Story ID: 
GIVING THE PILATUS PC-12 NEW LIFE
By: Martha Jercinovich
Caption: GIVING THE PILATUS PC-12 NEW LIFE
Word Count: 1084
There is a reason the Pilatus PC-12 is considered one of the most dependable and versatile airplanes to own. It offers operators the best of both worlds: best-in-class performance and great style. From the NGX to special-mission configurations flying over dangerous regions, this airplane can perform incredible missions and do so without breaking a sweat.  
Introduced to the market in 1991, the Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop aircraft primarily used for passenger and cargo transport. Due to its rugged durability and operational flexibility, the PC-12 has also gained popularity among special-mission and military organizations.   
With that kind of mission versatility, one might assume the avionics would naturally be on par with its highly regarded performance capabilities. That isn’t always the case as the PC-12’s original avionics suite is cumbersome, complicated, and crowded. 
Some would argue that a complete modernization of the PC-12’s legacy avionics would be too much hassle for the huge amount of effort required. That is simply not the case. This dependable aircraft deserves an avionics suite that truly delivers, providing a feature-rich upgrade that is not just highly capable and stylish but also makes the most of the aircraft's performance capability, all in an integrated package. 
First, lose the (irrelevant) weight 
When you consider how much the avionics industry has changed over the last two decades you will quickly notice that when it comes to modern avionics, less is more. Avionics integration is the answer.  Operators prefer highly customized panels making an efficient use of space. For example, take a look at the Pilatus PC-12/45 project completed by Servicio Aereos Montre S.A. de C.V of Monterrey, Mexico.
Prior to the upgrade, this aircraft was basically factory standard. It was equipped with avionics that included a BendixKing KMA24H audio panel, KMD540 multi-function display, KLN90B global positioning system, KX165A NAV/COM, GNS XLS flight management system, and dual panel-mounted Garmin GTX 330D transponders. For VHF NAV, interact here, for FMS planning, interact there, and “IDENT 2436,” interact elsewhere. Those are six separate pieces of factory-issued equipment a crew must master to maximize efficiency, not to mention a lot of extra weight. This modernization program requires the obsolete equipment be removed, allowing space for the new avionics. 
Less is more (and more capable)
After project completion, the aircraft’s new and much-improved flight deck boasts dual Avidyne IFDs (IFD550, IFD540) as the FMS/GPS/NAV/COM system, an AMX240 audio panel, and dual AXP322 ADS-B Out remote-mount transponders. All situational awareness equipment on the aircraft like the Stormscope, Radar, and the Traffic Advisory System (TAS) were all integrated into the dual IFD5-Series.
The aircraft flew away not only with big weight savings and a sleeker panel, but with all safety-enhancing information accessible on the dual IFDs. When paired with the Forward-Looking Terrain Alerting (FLTA), a feature of the IFD, which, by the way, is standard, one could argue that the IFD is serving as more than just an FMS/GPS/NAV/COM. The IFD also provides Multi-Function Display (MFD) functionality, which is significantly enhanced when integrated wirelessly with the IFD100 App for the iPad®.
The crew now has transponder control, radar control, display with map overlay, Stormscope display, traffic display, FMS planning, WAAS GPS navigation, VHF communication, VHF navigation, Geo-Referenced Jeppesen chart display, and terrain alerting, all in one system, the IFD5-Series flight management system. This makes the Avidyne 5-Series IFD the logical fit for the ever-so-capable and elegant PC-12/45. 
Additional possibilities with big benefits
The Avidyne IFD5-Series was designed as a slide-in-replacement for older Garmin GNS GPS navigators. With some Pilatus PC-12/45s, King Airs, and Citations currently fitted with old GNS navigators, this is a simple but necessary upgrade. The IFD slides into the same tray and interfaces with the same connectors used by the GNS GPS system. To take complete advantage of the all the features the IFD has to offer (not currently available on the now obsolete GNS), the installer will need to add some additional wiring and interfaces. In some cases, the only action required is replacing the GPS antenna for a WAAS TSO-C190-compliant antenna to allow the new FMS to take advantage of navigation with Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) GPS accuracy and adding features such as Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) GPS approaches.
The benefits do not end at ease of installation, weight reduction, consolidation, and cost savings. With the addition of the IFD Series, Pilatus operators can get the most out of their existing avionics and give their flying experience an additional enhancement with wireless integration of the IFD100 Application and full bi-directional ForeFlight® connectivity. Just imagine having your primary source of navigation and situational awareness on a 12-inch iPad screen with 100% interactivity and, best of all, for no additional cost. The IFD100 application is available for download from the App Store, for free. 
There is no doubt the Avidyne avionics suite will likely find its way into more Pilatus PC-12/45 cockpits as it is simply the best fit for this platform. But it doesn’t just stop there. King Air owner/operators as well as Citation owners could benefit from this highly capable, affordable modern upgrade. For turbine aircraft equipped with legacy EFIS flight decks such as Collins Pro Line 21 and Honeywell Primus 1000, the IFD system (including Avidyne Atlas™, the newly certified multifunction, console-mount FMS) offers Avidyne’s exclusive GPS Legacy Aviation System (GLAS ™) software, which enables full LPV approach capability without the need for external LRUs or costly upgrades to the integrated flight deck. GLAS is a simple-to-install method that enables legacy pre-WAAS EFIS flight decks to fly GPS approaches with vertical guidance. It also offers configurations appropriate for most legacy EFIS flight decks. IFDs provide approved ADS-B position data as well as being the least expensive, quickest, and most functional way to add LPV capability to these legacy EFIS aircraft.
Airplanes are built to last for decades. The PC-12 is certainly evidence of that. But with fast-moving technology, required safety mandates, and FAA regulations, staying compliant and modern can be a challenge for these workhorse airplanes. Lucky for these owner/operators, there is now another option fully worth consideration.