Upgrades
E-Vade™ Anti-Icing System
Heat provides the most reliable method for removing ice from an airframe. E-Vade provides the latest technology in anti-icing systems employing a laminate tape in which flexible expanded graphite foil is an electrical, heat-conducting layer disposed between an outer heat-conducting layer and an electrically insulating layer. This tape, deployed on the leading edges of the wing and horizontal stabilizer, employs a system in which dual heating zones provide 1) continuous heat to the leading edge and 2) cycled heat to "shed zones" which disband the ice, teaming with airflow over and under the surface to remove any accumulation.
For safety, E-Vade is driven by a dedicated alternator which produces 7.5 kW, running over 100 amps at 70 volts. Mounted at the rear of the engine, this alternator provides for an "anti-ice electrical system" which is independent of the Columbia's standard redundant dual-alternator, dual-battery system.
Activation is via a push-button switch that illuminates when the system is in operation. Once activated, the computer-controlled system operates autonomously with no further pilot intervention required.
This option is only available when purchased as part of the E-Vade Complete Anti-Ice package that also incorporates the Hot Prop.
Climate Control (heating & air conditioning systems)
Columbia Climate Control is an aircraft environmental system similar to those found in luxury automobiles. The digital temperature setting is a computer which directs the system to achieve the desired internal temperature through either heating or air conditioning. Given the changes in outside temperature possible during flight, the system provides the convenience of automatic switching from cooling to heating as the aircraft climbs or descends. Thus, cabin comfort is automatically maintained as outside temperatures swing dramatically.
Unlike most aircraft cooling systems, Columbia Climate Control is certified for operation during taxi, takeoff, climb and cruise; once the engine has been started, the system may be engaged and will operate automatically throughout the flight. The powerful air conditioner provides 16,000 BTU of evaporator cooling, yielding a 20° temperature reduction of a heat-soaked cabin in only 5 minutes.
Heat distribution is through floor ducts; cooling vents are integrated into the cabin's standard overhead panel with 4 individual Wemac valves and two flood vents, each of which may be directed or shut off. Overall, there are 12 cabin air outlets in the Columbia cabin to provide ideal air distribution and temperature control for each passenger.
E-Monitor™ Engine & System Monitor
Digitally monitor all 6 EGT and CHT during critical phases of flight like take-off and decent. Use the Lean Assist mode during cruise to dial in Best Power of Best Economy. The on-board fuel computer will display fuel remaining at each programmed waypoint by calculating fuel burn and ground speed.
SatWX™ Satellite Weather Information System
The SatWX option equips the aircraft with an antenna and receiver
enabling reception of XM WX Satellite Weather. Additional software
is also provided for the MFD which enables display of NEXRAD on the
Map page as well as METAR's on both the Trip and Nrst pages.
XM satellites broadcast weather for the entire U.S. on a continuous basis with
a refresh every 6 minutes so weather information is always current. Lightning
information is included and displayed along with NEXRAD on the MFD.
An XM WX Satellite Weather subscription costs $50 per month and is available
from XM Radio. Columbia customers receive the first year at no charge and are
then billed by XM. Currently, XM WX Satellite Weather is not available outside
of the U.S.
ORBCOMM satellite coverage is only available in the U.S. and parts of southern Canada, northern Mexico and the Caribbean.
E-Plates™ Electronic Approach Plates
E-Plates provides the capability of displaying Jeppesen approach plates, departures,
arrivals and airport diagrams in full-screen mode on the Chart page of the MFD.
Jeppesen provides a subscription service known as JeppView (see http://www.jeppesen.com/ )
which provides coverage on a worldwide basis. Subscriptions may be selected
by region or sub-region which allows the purchase of only the required area.
In flight, approach plates may be viewed full-screen in identical format to the
paper plates. Then, at the pilot's discretion, a variety of views are available
which enlarge the overview portrayal and include various other portions of the
approach plate. When actually flying the approach, the aircraft appears directly
on the overview depiction until landing at which time the view switches to the
airport diagram, if available, for that airport.
T-Watch™ Traffic Advisory System (TAS)
The T-Watch Traffic Advisory System warns of a potential collision by calculating range, bearing, and altitude of intruder aircraft relative to the host aircraft. The system is designed with top and bottom patented directional antennas providing a complete and accurate protection shield over twenty miles. The patented antenna system assures optimal reception with minimal interference from the Columbia airframe. T-Watch is engineered with Audible Position Alert that annunciates an alert when a traffic threat is detected: "Traffic! One O'clock high! Two miles!" T-Watch displays traffic on the MFD in full color utilizing TCAS symbology.
E-Cast™ On-Demand Weather and Messaging
The E-Cast option is provided by Avidyne and provides the antenna and receiver necessary for two-way communications with the ORBCOMM satellites. Using E-Cast, weather information may be obtained on a pay-as-you-go basis, rather than a monthly subscription. In addition, Flight Track and Text Messaging are available through the Avidyne FlightCenter at http://www.myAvidyne.com/ .
Garmin GTX™ 330 Mode S Digital Transponder
In addition to the capabilities of the standard GTX 327, the GTX 330 is a Mode S, IFR-certified transponder with datalink capability, including local traffic updates. This provides for the reception of FAA Traffic Information Services (TIS), including location, direction, altitude, and climb/descent information of nearby aircraft, displayed on the MFD. The result is improved communication between aircraft and air traffic control (ATC), providing pilots with greater traffic awareness in busy terminal areas.
Hot Prop
Our conventional and proven electro-thermal propeller de-icing system utilizes a standard prop timer with an Ice Shield prop resistance heater and all respective hardware. Activation is via a push-button switch which illuminates when the system is in operation.
Bose Aviation Headset X
The Headset X is well known as one of the quietest offered in the aviation market today. This panel-powered unit (4 ports are provided) utilizes active equalization circuitry delivering clean, full sound with improved intelligibility of radio and intercom audio. In fact, US Air Force tests with Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headsets achieved intelligibility scores of 95% at 115db.
Columbia (Lightspeed) Thirty 3GP Headset
The Thirty 3GP Headset provides 28-30dB of a ctive cancellation and 12-22dB of p assive attenuation provided by its temperature sensitive Confor-Foam™ ear seals. This panel-powered unit comes with a cell/satellite phone interface along with a 5-year warranty.
