Piper Aircraft Inc. today announced that it will offer the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck system as an optional avionics suite on the Piper PA-46 Meridan, Mirage, and Matrix aircraft.

"With the addition of the Entegra Release 9, Piper shows its commitment to providing our customers with the greatest choice of advanced avionics options available in today's market place" said Piper President, John D. Becker. "The Entegra Release 9 system on our Meridian, Mirage, and Matrix aircraft gives customers an added avionics option and prospective buyers the ability to choose the aircraft and configuration that best matches their specific mission profile."

"Piper has been a terrific partner of ours for many years and we are pleased to be making Entegra Release 9 available for the Piper PA-46 line," said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. "Entegra Release 9, with its renowned ease of use, is specifically designed for single-pilot IFR operations, making it a perfect fit for this class of aircraft."

About Entegra Release 9

Utilizing a fully-modular architecture, Entegra Release 9 represents the next generation of integrated flight deck systems for general aviation aircraft. The Entegra Release9 includes high-resolutionIFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully-digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. Release 9's innovative Page & Tab user interface makes it a breeze to quickly access data without delving into hierarchical menus, pop-up windows or hidden modes. Designed with a fully-redundant architecture, each IFD5000 is fully capable of performing the functions of the other with no unfamiliar or limited reversionary modes. With Entegra Release 9, Avidyne has developed a truly integrated system that is specifically designed to eliminate complexity, reduce head-down time, provide a whole new level of redundancy, and dramatically enhance safety.

Pricing and Availability

Certification of the Entegra Release 9 suite for the Piper Matrix is expected to be completed in the second half of 2010. Certification of Entegra Release 9 for the Mirage and the Meridian are expected in 2011.

Customers who purchase an Entegra-equipped Meridian, Mirage or Matrix now will receive an upgrade voucher that locks in the Entegra Release 9 upgrade price at $50,000—redeemable upon certification—representing a significant value for PA-46 owners.

Customers who want more information can contact their local Piper Dealer or go to www.release9.com. Those who would like to get a flight demonstration of the Entegra Release 9 suite can contact Avidyne at 800.AVIDYNE (800.284.3963).