Garmin GNS-430 and GNS-530 WAAS Upgrade Program: On June 1, 2005 Garmin announced that the WAAS upgrade program would be delayed until the third quarter of 2006. This is due to major changes in some key components and major software re-writing that became necessary to comply with FAA guidance.

Owners of Garmin 400 and 500 series products that were installed prior to June 1, 2005 are eligible for an upgrade of their unit for flat rate of $1500.

In order to receive this special pricing on the WAAS upgrade, firm orders must be placed with Garmin through an authorized dealer by November 15, 2005. We ask that all of our customers place orders with us no later then November 7, 2005. We do not require a deposit. We do require a credit card number for confirmation. We do need a faxed or mailed order request. There is a form included in this mailing that you can fill out and fax or mail to us. The form is also available on our website.

All Garmin 400 and 500 products purchased after June 1, 2005 can be WAAS upgraded at a price that Garmin will determine at a later date. Note: This value has been confirmed at $2,000.

Please keep in mind that the $1500 upgrade is for the unit only. Shipping and labor is not included. Garmin has not released an installation manual for the upgraded units, so we do not know how much work will be involved in upgrading the installation. If no significant installation changes are required, we anticipate a labor cost of about $500 including the certification paperwork.

Garmin Terrain Upgrade: Garmin has just announced that the long awaited Terrain upgrade is now available. The upgrade cost is $500 plus labor. See our website for details and ordering information.

Weather Datalink: The WSI-AV-200 and Garmin GDL-69 are second generation weather datalink products that both work great. They display weather graphics on the Garmin 400 and 500 series products as well as on the MX-20 Multi Function Display. WSI has their own satellite based network. The GDL-69 is an XM Radio receiver that receives WeatherWorx data. Avidyne in conjunction with Heads Up Technologies has developed an XM Radio weather solution to display on the Avidyne EX-500 Multi Function Display.

At Oshkosh, Garmin introduced a new portable, the GPSMAP-396. This unit includes XM weather and a terrain base map, as well as the many features of the earlier Garmin portables. Garmin has recently started shipping these units. They are currently on a 6 week back order. This seems like a great solution for the pilot that rents or flies various airplanes that are not equipped with onboard systems. It should be noted that all weather solutions require a paid subscription.

Featured Airplanes: N735EM Cessna 172 a Super Hawk @ ISP owned by Carlos Perez. Carlos purchased this aircraft in 1996. In 1997, we upgraded the avionics to include a Bendix King KMA-24 audio system, dual KX-155 nav coms and an avionics master. In 1998 we added an NAT intercom and a Goodrich WX-900 Stormscope. Carlos had auxiliary wingtip fuel tanks installed giving the airplane a duration of almost 8 hours! In 2003 we installed a Garmin GNS-530, STEC-55X Autopilot system and a Garmin GTX-330 Mode S/TIS traffic transponder. In 2004 a PS Engineering PCD-7100 CD player and dual BOSE Series X headsets were added. In 2005 we are installing a WSI Weather data link system. Carlos flies his airplane IFR for business and pleasure along with his wife Suzzana and his next most regular passenger, Bailey the family golden retriever.

Dinosaur Avionics: Eventually most avionics equipment ages to the point where it no longer can be maintained. Each year, many of the avionics manufacturers publish a list of their older equipment that they no longer can support. This is mostly due to the availability of repair parts. Many electronic components that were used in the design of these older units have not been in production for many years. This year, the King KX-170B/175B radios have joined the ranks of the dinosaurs. These great radios are now 30 years old! There are numerous, commonly needed, repair parts that are no longer available. We have a limited parts supply in our stock and will continue to support these radios as long as possible. We will also try and keep serviceable exchange units in stock. If you have these radios, we suggest that you plan on replacement in the next couple of years.

Honeywell / HAPP extended warranty program: Many of our customers have taken benefit from the Honeywell / Bendix King HAPP extended warranty program. For a reasonable fee, Honeywell will renew the warranty on any of their equipment that is still under current production. This program provides for loaners, exchanges, repairs and labor for all covered equipment. For more information you can contact Tres or Jason.

Seasonal Alerts: This is a good time of year to check your tie down ropes and replace worn ropes. It is a good idea to check the condition of your aircraft cover and to check the pressure in the tires.

If your battery has been weak all summer, now is a good time to replace the battery. Batteries deteriorate in cooler weather.

Keep an eye on your wet compass. The vast temperature swings that occur in the fall can cause the seals to fail and the fluid to leak out.

Staff Changes: Jason Piastuck holds a BS degree in Computer Engineering from RPI and has joined the staff as a full time engineer and system manager. Daren Remmert moved to North Carolina and Rich Quinn has taken a job with the FAA. We thank Daren and Rich for their years of good service. If Daren was your point of contact, please talk to Fred or Tres for your avionics and HAPP needs.

Scuba Diving: Interested in learning to SCUBA dive? Already a certified diver and want to take a refresher course or upgrade your certification? Want to upgrade your equipment? Want to go on a SCUBA vacation? You can browse through Long Island Scuba at 895 Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. Or you can contact Ralph @ 631-225-8450 or visit their web site at www.longislandscuba.com. Bring in your IAI newsletter and receive a 10% discount on purchases over $100.

Happy Flying,

Fred and the crew of Islip Avionics: Tres, Pat, Paul, Max, Danny, Tom, Jason, Steve & Ryan.