Fargo Jet Center recently completed the delivery of the first of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for Northeast Montana STAT Air Ambulance Cooperative, a non-profit, critical care air medical transport service based out of Glasgow, MT.
The upgrades included Garmin Avionics Dual G600TXi Systems: Dual GTN-750Xi WAAS GPS/Nav/Com Transceivers with GMA-350c Audio Panel and Flight Stream 510 for Bluetooth/Wifi Connectivity: G600TXi EIS (Engine Indicating) System with Dedicated 7” Display and PFD Backup: GWX-75 Weather Radar and GDL-69A SXM Receiver: 3 Axis GFC600 Digital Autopilot with Pitch Trim and Dual GTX ADS-B Compliant Transponders
The new functionality, performance, situational awareness, and safety features available from the avionics upgrade will allow for increased mission safety and dispatch reliability for the Northeast Montana STAT Air Ambulance Cooperative team.
“Our relationship with FJC dates back more than a decade when we were looking for an authorized Pilatus Service Center to support our first PC-12. Since then, we have added two more aircraft to our fleet with FJC continuing to support our routine maintenance as well as provide dedicated air medical interior modifications, and other minor installs and upgrades,” says Russ Dahl, Director of Operations at Northeast Montana STAT Air Ambulance Cooperative. “FJC has proven itself as a reputable and professional operation which made them an easy choice when looking for a solution for our avionics needs.”
The Pilatus PC-12 had previously been operated using factory-installed Bendix King EFS 50 EFIS systems and legacy avionics equipment. With the removal of the aging, analog sensors and bulky, spinning mass gyros comes new, state-of-the-art, digital equipment. Flight data is now presented on large, customizable, high-resolution, touchscreen displays. FJC also completed the integration of auxiliary video from an existing infrared camera system for display on the Garmin 10.6” displays. Furthermore, there has been a significant reduction to the electrical loads on the aircraft and a substantial weight reduction of over 150 pounds.
“Seeing the quality workmanship and attention to detail our team delivered on this first aircraft is rewarding and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” says Drew Stiles, FJC’s Avionics Lead. “Collaborating with the Northeast Montana STAT Air Ambulance Cooperative team to develop a custom solution tailored to better serve their operation has proven to be a win for all involved,” adds Stiles.
Throughout 2023, FJC will provide the same avionics upgrades to two other Pilatus PC-12s from Northeast Montana STAT Air Ambulance Cooperative’s fleet.
As a Garmin dealer and an authorized Pilatus PC-12 Satellite Service Center, FJC offers aircraft owners the ability to minimize downtime and pair these avionics upgrades with other maintenance events such as engine changes, interior modifications, and major inspections. Additionally, the upgrade is an affordable opportunity for Pilatus PC-12 owners and operators to enjoy a cutting-edge avionics platform while offering an equipment upkeep solution that is financially sustainable.
