Panel-mounts gain new powers

The Montana company announced FAA approval of the version 3.1.1 software upgrade for the 3-inch AV-30-C multifunction display on September 25, bringing a fresh batch of upgrades and new features less than four months after the 3.0.1 deployment in June added new functions and capabilities such as a turn coordinator, G-meter, and integration with navigators and autopilots.

Updates in the 3.1.1 version, which users can also download at no charge, include improved angle-of-attack indication (accurate down to 25 knots), wind speed and direction estimation, altitude alerts, and quick configuration access via QR code that can be displayed on the instrument face. A flight plan underlay now appears on the traffic page, and the AV-30-C can control the echoESX and tailBeaconX ADS-B transponders.

“These updates reflect our continued commitment to delivering high-value enhancements that improve pilot safety and experience,” said company product leader John Chargo, in a news release. “With software version 3.1.1, we’re delivering more of the features our customers have asked for most, each update increases the value pilots get from their AV-30-C, making flying safer and more enjoyable.”

The 2-inch round-dial version, the AV-20, has also been upgraded via software released September 16, with version 1.8.0 for the AV-20-S and AV-20-E models using an improved algorithm to calculate angle of attack, a function the company noted had been "tricky to configure and often went unused." The software update includes a "smarter sensor fusion engine" that integrates airspeed, altitude, accelerometer data, and vertical speed data to provide accurate angle-of-attack information that in turn helps pilots reduce the risk of loss of control.

The AV-30-C, which can serve as an attitude indicator, directional indicator, and other functions, can be purchased online for $2,499, with ForeFlight Sentry ADS-B In add-on packages available. The AV-30-E made for experimental aircraft is priced at $1,849. The AV-20, which is approved for certified aircraft as non-required safety enhancing equipment, costs $895.

uAvionix entered the general aviation market in 2018 with the delivery of its tailBeacon ADS-B transponder, and followed up with its first iteration of the AV-30 in 2019.