Tomlinson Aviation, primarily a helicopter training, sales and maintenance facility located in Ormond Beach, FL approached us about equipping one of their Schweizer 300 helicopters for IFR training. By installing the necessary equipment to have an IFR platform trainer but keeping the aircraft certified for VFR only it allows them to train in VFR conditions using the same equipment you would expect to find in an IFR helicopter. The Schweizer 300 helicopter is more economical for students to learn in and there is an easier transition from private pilot training to IFR pilot training when the same aircraft is used. The aircraft was brought to us with the necessary NAV antenna and radio racks already installed. We fabricated the wiring harnesses and installed the new equipment in the center pedestal for easy access from both, the pilot and copilot, positions. We added the necessary gyros, avionics buss and an avionics master switch where needed and a GPS annunciator on the instrument panel because the GPSwas out of the pilots scanning view. Cooling hoses and post lights were added to cool pedestal radios and light unlit instruments.
Projects in Progress
Ray Watkins Panel Fabrication
Ray Watkins Panel Installation
Ray Watkins Velocity XL-5 - Experimental Airplane
Ray Watkins, a long time customer and air traffic controller at Jax Center in Hilliard, FL, is building his 2nd Velocity experimental aircraft and he isn't holding anything back. He flew his first Velocity for 10 years and put over 2000 hours on it, and the future for his second looks just as bright. We are helping him build his second panel, and like the first, it will include the standard analog gauges, but this time these are only for backup. Ray is installing a modern Grand Rapids glass panel with NEXRAD weather, a portable traffic device and video player for entertainment, all the modern conveniences of an IFR platform aircraft. He is also installing a custom warning panel with sensors throughout the aircraft. Ray expects to have his bubblegum pink Velocity flying by the end of October. Look for more details and pictures of the finished product here soon.
