EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, WI, July 23, 2024: Aspen Avionics is pleased to celebrate its 20th anniversary at this year’s EAA AirVenture. Established in 2004 by avionics and manufacturing experts in Albuquerque, Aspen entered the general aviation market with the AT300 Hazard Awareness Display in 2005.
Aspen’s breakthrough product came with the Evolution 1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD). Certified in 2008, its unique, patented form-fit design allowed aircraft owners to install it in the existing 3-1/4” panel hole without modifications, significantly reducing costs. This innovative system replaced traditional six-pack mechanical indicators with a lighter, more reliable unit, enhancing situational awareness without the expense of panel modifications.
The Evolution 1000 PFD’s success cemented Aspen’s reputation as an avionics innovator in the general aviation community, earning the Product of the Year award in 2009 and Flying Magazine’s Editors Choice Award. The Evolution 1000 is installed in over 14,000 aircraft and continues to see growth in installations with its MAX version.
“Aspen’s reputation for innovation extends beyond product development. It translates into new ways to support aircraft owners by protecting their investment with affordable software-based features and functional upgrades as well as provide an economical path to the latest equipment with our affordable display trade-in program,” said Mark Ferrari, vice president of sales and customer support. “This program allows owners to replace their legacy Aspen displays with new MAX displays, which come with a new warranty at a fraction of the cost. This program is a testament to our commitment to supporting aircraft owners, not just lip service,” continued Ferrari.
The company remains committed to offering an open display platform, collaborating with multiple manufacturers to integrate over 50 types of legacy analog and digital autopilots, as well as GPS navigators/FMS and Nav/Comm devices. This approach protects aircraft owners’ investments, providing a cost-effective pathway for avionics upgrades without replacing multiple, often expensive, devices. Aspen’s founding principle of working with any willing manufacturer continues to guide the company.
John Uczekaj, who joined Aspen as president and CEO in 2007, has driven further achievements. Under his leadership, Aspen introduced the CG100, the first wireless connection to certified avionics displays, a software-based derived Angle of Attack (AOA) system, which provides real-time stall margin awareness without additional hardware or aircraft modifications, and ongoing functionality and interface improvements to the Evolution product line. Uczekaj has been honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Living Legends of Aviation and inducted into its prestigious ranks.
“I look forward to leading the company into the future with innovative products, expanded capabilities, and new markets in AAM/UAM and other unmanned flight systems, thanks to Aspen’s incorporation into The AIRO Group. While we remain committed to our general aviation roots, we anticipate bringing the latest technologies to the market and making them affordable,” said Uczekaj.
To celebrate its 20-year milestone, Aspen is offering significant discounts on its Evolution display systems, including the single-unit EFD1000 Pro MAX PFD and the top-tier Evolution 2500 three-display system. Discounts range from 20% to 30% off the manufacturer’s suggested list price, valid through July 31, 2024.