MANITOBA COMPANY BECOMES GARMIN AND HALO INSTALLATION CENTRE, COMPLETES FIRST G-1000 UPGRADE IN CANADA.

Fast Air Executive Aviation Services Ltd, one of Canada’s leading executive charter and aircraft management companies, recently completed the first of 8 scheduled King Air 200 upgrades; converting original flight deck instrumentation and avionics to the state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 Flight Deck. Concurrent with the G1000 upgrade, the company is incorporating the Halo Gross Weight Increase modification; adding substantial allowances to King Air maximum ramp and takeoff weights along with significant safety features.

This initial completion by Fast Air marks the first King Air 200/G1000 retro-fit to be completed in Canada. Dylan Fast, President of Fast Air, states, “Our first King Air to receive the G1000/Halo upgrade has been operational for two months, and has performed flawlessly on both Medevac missions and as a flight crew training platform. I am extremely proud of the how well our maintenance team has managed the retrofit process, and how seamless the operational transfer to the G1000 has been.” Fast Air is nearing the 2nd Garmin/Halo completion of the next scheduled King Air in the fleet. In addition to advancements of the G1000; The Halo 250 STC by Centex Aerospace offers extensive advantages and safety benefits as Dennis Lyons, Fast Air PRM describes; “The Halo modification increases the King Air’s max ramp weight by 920 lbs to 13,510 lbs; as well, the Halo system adds major safety features such as engine fire extinguishers, emergency cabin lighting, and improved stall warning.”

Fast Air is slated to complete the upgrade to its entire fleet of twin turbine, King Air 200 aircraft in early 2014. The Garmin G1000 flight deck was selected based on its numerous safety and technological features, including: integration of all primary flight, navigation, and aircraft system data on large high-definition LCD screens. The G1000 flight deck also provides an impressive list of safety features including new autopilot, traffic avoidance, and terrain warning systems. For added visual orientation, Fast Air is incorporating Garmin’s optional Synthetic Vision Technology. “This system provides our pilots with 3-D virtual reality presentation on the cockpit screens”; commented Mr. Fast, continuing; “SVT allows pilots to clearly see surroundings even at night or in cloud. This technology fits perfectly with our commitment to safety for our employees and passengers. SVT is a technology that even airlines have not yet incorporated, which demonstrates how advanced our fleet is becoming.”

As Fast Air evolves it’s already mature and capable maintenance department into a Canadian Garmin and Halo installation centre, the company looks forward to serving other King Air operators throughout Canada and the United States with similar upgrades. Fast Air Ltd. anticipates the launch of its Garmin and Halo Installation Centre in Q4 of 2013, which will add to its growing executive charter, air ambulance, and aircraft management divisions. Fast Air Ltd. is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, has over 80 employees and operates a fleet of 19 aircraft including 9 King Air’s, 6 Corporate Jets, and 2 helicopters. More information, including contact info can be found on the company website at flyfastair.com.