Gulf COAST AVIONICS is donating the Garmin avionics to upgrade and meet the 2020 ADS-B Compliance deadline for the commemorative Air Force’s B-29 “Fifi”
Once completed, the next-generation Garmin avionics solution will make
the CAF’s iconic Superfortress ADS- compliant B, and next-generation airspace, which will allow it safely and efficiently continue to serve as a symbol of thanks to the service provided by our past, present and future military veterans.
Lakeland, FL (July 15, 2019) — Rick Garcia, President, and CEO of Gulf Coast Avionics, announced today that the company is donating the Garmin avionics and other products and engineering to provide an ADS-B compliant avionics upgrade for the Commemorative Air Force’s iconic B-29 Superfortress, “FIFI.”
“There are few aircraft in the world as recognizable or symbolic as the B-29, and we are proud to have the opportunity to be able to assist in the modernization of FIFI’s cockpit so that this iconic aircraft not only meets the 2020 ADS-B compliance deadline, but has the reliability and capabilities of digital displays to continue safe operations for years to come,” Garcia stated. “We are honored to do our part to keep this amazing piece of history flying.”
“Rick Garcia and his team at Gulf Coast Avionics are strong supporters of the CAF’s mission to educate the next generation,” stated David Oliver, Chief Operating Officer, Commemorative Air Force. “Their long-time support embodies the spirit of seeing young people not only get involved in aviation but find meaningful careers and success in life.”
With regards to the installation in the B-29, Garcia explained that the challenge to the Gulf Coast Avionics engineering and technical teams is to integrate the new-generation Garmin G5 EADI and EHSI with the touchscreen GTN 650’s in a way that provides exceptional situational awareness to the flight crews without taking too much away from the historic significance of the B-29’s cockpit.
“Flying a B-29 is complex enough without having to worry about how to tune your radios,” he said. “The all-Garmin avionics solution will reduce the crew's workload while helping them safely navigate and operate from any airport.”
Gulf Coast Avionics all-Garmin B-29 ADS-B compliant avionics upgrade includes:
• Dual pilot and co-pilot Garmin G5 Electronic ADI and HSI display units
• Dual Garmin GTN 650 COM/NAV/GPS TFT Touchscreen displays
• Garmin GTX345 All-In-One ADS-B Transponder with wireless connectivity to the Garmin Pilot app
• Custom-built wiring harnesses
• Design, installation and technical support.
About the Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Dallas, and the recognized leader of the Warbird Movement—the effort to preserve and honor American military aviation history. Since it was founded in 1957, the CAF has accrued 170 historic aircraft—the largest collection of vintage military aircraft in the world. Educational outreach programs impact an estimated 20 million Americans each year thanks to over 11,000 volunteers who support the CAF nationally and overseas. The Commemorative Air Force honors the men and women who built, maintained, and flew in American airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition; taking the airplanes to the people, allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.