One of our owners is in the process of fitting out an EC130 and wanted the Garmin G500H, but couldn't face the pain of blazing a trail with EASA and the CAA so settled for the Sagem icds-8. Do you know who is doing the work with Garmin to get it certified ?
Whew, great question. Air Methods has an STC ready to go for the EC 130 and it is very cool. It completely changes the panel, and is simply amazing, but frankly changes more stuff than I am willing to change…and of course, costs big dollars.
I can't confirm who (because I don't know) , but I have been told one of the big tour operators in Hawaii was also working to get a different STC done and supposedly, it will be announced very soon. Supposedly, it will be much less expensive and maybe more flexible.
I suppose I should call Hawaii and poke around. There can't be too many EC 130 operators there.