G-ODAK Glass Refit in Flyer Magazine

This year's AeroExpo Europe saw the culmination of a six month project by Airways Flying Club to fit a glass cockpit to G-ODAK their Piper Dakota aircraft. This project was a demonstration of the first Garmin 600 glass cockpit to be fitted to a customer aircraft in Europe. The work to design, install and test the new computer system was a joint project between the Airways Flying Club and Lees Avionics based at Wycombe Air Park and Farnborough Airport.

Harry Lees, MD of Lees Avionics said; "This project began for us following a demo of Garmin's new cockpit technology in February 2009. Since then we've invested over 200 hours to design this new glass cockpit for the Dakota, plus approximately 160 hours refitting G-ODAK."

G-ODAK Cockpit

The project saw the Airways Flying Club Chief Flying Instructor, John Hartill, become a CAA approved Test Pilot in order to certify the cockpit design as safe and fit for use. John Hartill, said; "The installation of a computerised glass cockpit is an important milestone for Airways Flying Club. Modern airliners make use of this technology and professional pilots are expected to be familiar with the technology when they begin their career, they can now begin this familiarisation at the start of their training with the clubs new facilities."

More information about the G-ODAK refit can be found in the article " Garmin G600 - Glass Retrofit" featured in Flyer Magazine Summer 2009.

Notes to Editors

Airways Aero Associations Ltd is the owner of Airways Flying Club and Wycombe Air Park. With over 60 years of experience Airways Flying Club provides flying training, from trial lessons and gift flights, through to private pilot license courses and beyond to advanced aerobatic training all from their home at Wycombe Air Park. Wycombe Air Park (EGTB), also known as Booker Airfield, is more than just a place where aircraft land and take off, it is a great place to relax with friends and family. With full air traffic control facilities, trained fire crews and a grass and tarmac runways, it is a safe and modern destination for general aviation enthusiasts. See www.bafc.co.uk and www.wycombeairpark.co.uk.

Lees Avionics Ltd, is one of the UK's leading aircraft avionics companies, based at Wycombe Air Park in Buckinghamshire and with design facilities at London-Farnborough Airport. It is now an EASA Part 21J design organisation and represents the vast majority of the world's major avionics suppliers. The company's comprehensive approvals allow it to design, install and manufacture avionics solutions for all types of aircraft from jet and piston to gliders, sailplanes and airships through to helicopters and gyroplanes. See www.leesavionics.co.uk.