Sun ’N Fun in Lakeland, Florida is just two hours from my home and every year, since 1997, I’ve either been there working the show (with Eastern Avionics) or making my “rounds” of the avionics manufacturers. My first question is always, “What’s New?” Frankly, I can’t remember a show, either Sun N’ Fun or Oshkosh, where I found so little to talk about. That got me asking this question: What’s going on at the manufacturing level? We have been hearing for the last ten years just how busy avionics shops have been, with four-to-six-month backlogs inspired by ADS-B, and now the EFIS movement. I’m not hearing that anymore. A four to six week wait to get avionics work done was more the norm in the past, and it looks like we may be getting back to that. In the July issue, we talked about the bigger manufacturers; those that, with a few exceptions, can fill your panel from audio through ADS-B. In this article, we will focus (alphabetically) on the “specialists;” those single-minded manufacturers focused on addressing one issue in your panel.
Alpha Systems AOA
In doing a little research on AOA systems, including an article on flight safety, I have come to this conclusion; “sensed” AOA systems using vanes or differential pressure, simply stated, are more accurate than “derived” AOA systems that calculate AOA using inertial data. In this case, I think accuracy is important. Alpha Systems AOA only offers sensed AOA systems, and they have a system for just about any application. The article (see Cessna Owner magazine, June 2025 issue) also suggested that the cheaper the system, the less accurate it is likely to be. Alpha doesn’t offer a cheap AOA solution. They offer the right AOA solution. Alpha Systems AOA has been leading the AOA market since 1997, the same year I entered avionics sales. With the push for AOA coming from the FAA, I believe that Alpha is the right tool for plane owners. The future for Alpha Systems is bright.
Appareo or “Stratus by Appareo”
Appareo was one of the first avionics manufacturers to benefit from the ADS-B mandate when they introduced the Appareo Stratus ADS-B receiver in 2012. Pilots purchased the Stratus in droves to be able to receive ADS-B WX and traffic way before viable ADS-B Out devices even came to market. Appareo would later introduce the ESG and ES ADS-B Out transponder in 2015, and then a brilliant interface to their Stratus receiver that made a lot of sense to me. Today, they also offer the Stratus Horizon Pro APP which allows you to use your iPad as an AHRS backup and as a digital recorder for ATC transmissions, with a subscription required for the speech to text feature.
Appareo owned the portable ADS-B In market ten years ago and leads the Mode S transponder market today. Appareo also competes in the larger aircraft markets with computing and communications equipment. I am hoping we will see something new from Appareo in GA this coming year.
Electronics International
Factory installed engine instrumentation in legacy Pipers and Cessnas often left a lot to be desired. Instruments were typically scattered all over the panel and key parameters, like CHT and EGT, were left out. With today’s fuel prices, the ability to lean your engine correctly is basic and there was typically nothing that came from the factory that allowed a pilot to do that. For over 40 years, Electronics International has provided pilots with high quality digital instruments for any application. EI has been going strong, and I expect them to continue.
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