XCUB Gets Non - TSO' D Avionics

In what appears to be a first since the FAA put forth the revised version of Part 23 certification standards, CubCrafters has received the green light from the FAA to install Garmin’s G3X touchscreen PFD/ MFD glass combination along with a digital autopilot, designed for the Experimental market, into the recently Part 23-certified XCub.

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The approval has resulted in a revision to the XCub’s type certificate, and the new avionics will be available on the 2018 XCub models, first scheduled for delivery in January.

“Garmin’s G3X Touch 10-inch flight display is an overwhelming favorite of Carbon Cub buyers, and it is a perfect match for the XCub as well,” said CubCrafters’ President Randy Lervold.

While the FAA has already shown a willingness to approve non-TSO’d safety equipment, such as angle of attack and backup instruments, for use in Part 23 airplanes, the XCub type-certificate revision provides approval for non-TSO’d primary flight instrumentation. While the new panel would provide a capable IFR package, the XCub is not certified for flight in the clouds. Experimental avionics provide near-identical information as certified avionics at a fraction of the price. “The FAA’s new risk-based certification philosophy will allow buyers of new certified airplanes to enjoy high-performance panel choices at prices that were unthinkable before today,” said CubCrafters’ founder and CEO Jim Richmond.